Main-group elements boost electrochemical nitrogen fixation

As the precursor for nitrogen-rich fertilizers, ammonia (NH3) is globally important. The widely used Haber-Bosch process industrial production requires harsh operating conditions and relies on fossil fuels that increase global energy consumption greenhouse gas emission. renewable-energy-derived electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) produces green NH3 under mild a promising alternative. However, high-energy barrier N2 activation competing hydrogen evolution (HER) limit practical application of NRR. Solutions lie development novel electrocatalysts boosted advanced strategies suppressed HER. In contrast to investigated transition metals, main-group elements (MGEs) with manifold physicochemical properties intrinsically poor adsorption ability could provide superiority in realizing goals mentioned earlier. this review, MGEs-based NRR research critically assessed first time. overarching aim comprehensive understanding materials design functional mechanisms Renewable-energy-derived (N2) practically (NH3). limited by low faradic efficiency yield because (HER). address challenges we (1) assess use MGEs identifying mechanism boosting suppressing HER, (2) present summary methodologies HER suppression are generalizable catalysts fixation, (3) show can be judiciously applied smart materials, electrolytes, interface reduction. We conclude significantly boost electrochemical fixation. Ammonia an important produced chemical (>175 million tons annually). building block it underpins agriculture grow food some half population.1Erisman J.W. Sutton M.A. Galloway J. Klimont Z. Winiwarter W. 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