Layer structured materials for ambient nitrogen fixation

Recently, the research of nitrogen fixation at ambient conditions has attracted wide attention due to its potential relatively low energy consumption and environmental friendliness. The rational design catalysts is one pivotal factors achieve high efficiency. On account large exposed surfaces areas, continuous conducting pathways, open shortened diffusion distances, stable in?plane chemical bonds, expanded interlayer spacing, as well weak van der Waals interaction within layers, it been an extensive option choose layer structured materials in recent years. Notably, compared other ? catalysts, layered not only reduce migration distances between reaction interface charge carriers, inhibiting possibility carrier recombination, but also enrich low–coordinated surface atoms. Moreover, most them belonging p–block show excellent hydrophobicity, strong with N2 molecules, cost, which make promising candidates for effectively limiting hydrogen evolution. Despite favorable advantages on fixation, more challenges opportunities have arisen exploitation fabrication novel unique properties specific functions selectivity yield. Up now, although scope gradually their structural feature supply alternative way improving while puting forwarding relative binding effect mechanisms, adsorption catalysis mechanisms these are still controversial lack situ/operando characterization neglect complex system environment factors. In this review, we firstly summarize typical used categorize into metal–containing metal–free materials. former includes transition metal dichalcogenides, MXenes, metal–organic frameworks, emerging advanced such double hydroxides, bismuth–based latter graphene, graphitic carbon nitride sheet, black phosphorus, boron–based materials, covalent organic framework. Secondly, briefly introduce characteristics recently reported synthesis strategies based discuss structure–performance relationship. Thirdly, insights possible strategies, products discussed provide corresponding suitable avenues future. More importantly, up–to–date progress applied photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, photoelectrocatalytic reduction reactions will be systematically presented, concomitant obstacles revealed. At last, challenges, prospects future developments room temperature pressure summarized.