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Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Recent Progress in Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction on Transition Metal Nitrides
Xiaoju Yang1, Bingjun Xu2, Jingguang G Chen3,4
1Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Distributed electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) powered by renewable energy for the on-site production of ammonia is an attractive alternative to the industrial Haber-Bosch process, which is responsible for roughly 2 % of global energy consumption. In this Review, we summarize recent progress in the ENRR catalyzed by transition metal nitrides (TMNs). The unique electronic structures of TMNs make them promising ENRR catalysts for active and selective ammonia production, which have been predicted theoretically and demonstrated experimentally. Reaction pathways and deactivation mechanisms of the ENRR on different TMNs are surveyed, and current understanding of structure-activity relations is discussed. To develop highly active, selective, and stable TMN catalysts for industrial-scale ENRR, membrane electrode assembly configuration is recommended in catalyst evaluation. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of developing mechanistic understanding on ENRR with different operando spectroscopic techniques.
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