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Metal Oxynitrides for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry. C
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [2];  [2];  [4]
  1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States); Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
  2. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
  3. Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (India)
  4. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)

The successful deployment of technologies for the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (e-NRR) to synthesize ammonia would enable distributed ammonia production with lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to the Haber–Bosch process. However, electrocatalysts that can readily activate N2, promote selective ammonia formation over the competing hydrogen evolution reaction, and maintain stability under reaction conditions are needed to enable this technology. Herein, we give our perspective on metal oxynitrides (AxByOwNz) as an emerging and underexplored materials class for e-NRR. Furthermore, we contrast the activity, selectivity, and stability of metal oxynitrides with those of their metal nitride and metal oxide counterparts. We discuss the different possible e-NRR reaction mechanisms on metal oxynitrides, emphasize challenges related to using metal oxynitrides for e-NRR, and provide an outlook for future research. Ultimately, the huge design space of metal oxynitrides is ripe for exploration to find catalyst formulations that overcome some of the limitations of traditional metal oxides and metal nitrides for e-NRR.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
Grant/Contract Number:
89233218CNA000001
OSTI ID:
2204192
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--22-27402
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry. C, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry. C Journal Issue: 31 Vol. 126; ISSN 1932-7447
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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