Proceedings of Catalyst Design Strategies for Photo- and Electrochemical Fuel Synthesis (ECAT25)
Publication date: 19th December 2024
Ammonia (NH₃) is a cornerstone of modern society, serving as the basis for all nitrogen fertilizers, which sustain nearly half of the world’s population [1]. Furthermore, thanks to its high energy density (4.32 kWh L⁻¹ for liquid NH₃) and ease of liquefaction, ammonia is emerging as a potential renewable energy carrier and fuel for decarbonization efforts. However, current NH₃ production relies heavily on the Haber-Bosch process (HBP), which is highly energy-intensive, consuming 1–2% of global fossil fuel supplies and accounting for approximately 2% of worldwide CO₂ emissions. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable and decentralized NH₃ synthesis technologies. [2]
Electrochemical nitrogen and nitrate reduction reactions (E-NRR and E-NO₃RR) have garnered significant attention as greener alternatives to the HBP [3]. These processes enable the utilization of renewable electricity and the on-site, on-demand production of ammonia. Additionally, nitrate (NO₃⁻), a widespread pollutant in groundwater due to its high solubility, can be converted into valuable NH₃ via E-NO₃RR. However, both E-NRR and E-NO₃RR face challenges, including low production rates, insufficient Faradaic efficiencies, and high overpotentials. These limitations present intriguing opportunities for research and development.
The main components influencing the overall system performance are the catalyst, the electrolyte, and the reactor; thus, a comprehensive understanding of their interplay is crucial to advancing E-NRR and E-NO₃RR technologies. Despite recent advancements, issues related to reproducibility and scalability remain significant obstacles.
This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No. 948769, project title: SuN2rise). The project was also supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 101107906.
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