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Title: Photocatalysis and Photoelectrocatalysis Methods of Nitrogen Reduction for Sustainable Ammonia Synthesis

Journal Article · · Small Methods
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [2]; ORCiD logo [1]
  1. Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University at Buffalo The State University of New York Buffalo NY 14260 USA
  2. College of Materials Science and Engineering Shenzhen University Shenzhen 518060 China

Abstract Ammonia (NH 3 ) is one of the essential chemicals as a fertilizer and as a starting reagent for various chemicals with a production expectation of 200 million tonnes for 2018. With the development of renewable energy technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen also has emerged as an innovative clean energy source. Ammonia is a suitable hydrogen fuel carrier since a molecule of ammonia can carry up to three atoms of hydrogen. Recently, photochemical synthesis via nitrogen reduction has gained considerable attention as a sustainable method for the production of ammonia. The performance of the photoreduction of nitrogen lies in the developments of the photocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts. Therefore, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of nitrogen reduction processes along with apprehending the challenges that limit the progress of catalysts. In this review, the basic understanding of photoreduction of nitrogen is highlighted, emphasizing on the challenges and effective methods to control defects, structures, and morphologies of materials for the catalyst development. The methods for ammonia detection and uncertainties in calculating the efficiency of the photochemical process are also addressed.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
1481801
Journal Information:
Small Methods, Journal Name: Small Methods Vol. 3 Journal Issue: 6; ISSN 2366-9608
Publisher:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 119 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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