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Lv S, Guo F, Li K, Wang D, Gao H, Song C. The synergistic effect of Cl doping and Bi coupling to promote the carrier separation of BiOBr for efficient photocatalytic nitrogen reduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 677:831-841. [PMID: 39126801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a sustainable process for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions. However, photocatalytic NRR activity and are generally limited by inefficient carrier separation and transfer. Therefore, parallel engineering of bulk phase doping and surface coupling is critical to achieving the goal of efficient NRR. In this study, Cl doped BiOBr nanosheet assemblies (BiOBr/Cl) were constructed in delicately designed deep eutectic solvents (DESs), combined with ionothermal methods at low temperatures and Bi3+ exsolution reduction strategy at high temperatures. The unique liquid state and reducibility of DESs induce the reduction of Bi3+ and the in situ coupling of Bi quantum dots at the surface of BiOBr/Cl nanosheets along with the construction of Bi-BiOBr/Cl nanosheet assemblies. The experimental results show that Cl doping could reduce the exciton dissociation energy and promote its dissociation to free carriers. Bi quantum dots could form tightly coupled Schottky junction with BiOBr/Cl enabling the efficient and unidirectional transmission of photogenerated electrons from BiOBr/Cl to metal Bi. The formed electron deficient region at Schottky interface promotes the adsorption and activation of N2. The hierarchical structure of Bi-BiOBr/Cl nanosheet assembly benefits to providing more N2 adsorption active sites. The DFT calculation shows that the accumulation of high concentration of active hydrogen in Bi-BiOBr/Cl leads to a significant decrease of energy barrier of the first step hydrogenation of N2. Bi-BiOBr/Clis more inclined to adsorb nitrogen for NRR in comparison with H* for hydrogen production. The synergistic effect of Cl doping and Bi coupling result in a high NRR activity of Bi-BiOBr/Cl photocatalyst of 6.67 mmol·g-1·h-1, which was 11.3 times higher than that of initial BiOBr. This study provides a promising strategy for designing highly active NRR photocatalysts with high efficiency carrier dissociation and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Lv
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Fengjuan Guo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Kaiding Li
- College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Qilu Institute of Technology, Jinan 250200, PR China
| | - Debao Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
| | - Hongtao Gao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
| | - Caixia Song
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science & Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
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2
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Wu J, Wang S, Ji R, Kai D, Kong J, Liu S, Thitsartarn W, Tan BH, Chua MH, Xu J, Loh XJ, Yan Q, Zhu Q. In Situ Characterization Techniques for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39092833 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to produce ammonia is pivotal in modern society due to its environmental friendliness and the substantial influence that ammonia has on food, chemicals, and energy. However, the current electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) mechanism is still imperfect, which seriously impedes the development of NRR. In situ characterization techniques offer insight into the alterations taking place at the electrode/electrolyte interface throughout the NRR process, thereby helping us to explore the NRR mechanism in-depth and ultimately promote the development of efficient catalytic systems for NRR. Herein, we introduce the popular theories and mechanisms of the electrochemical NRR and provide an extensive overview on the application of various in situ characterization approaches for on-site detection of reaction intermediates and catalyst transformations during electrocatalytic NRR processes, including different optical techniques, X-ray-based techniques, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy. Finally, some major challenges and future directions of these in situ techniques are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Suxi Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Rong Ji
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Dan Kai
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Junhua Kong
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Songlin Liu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Warintorn Thitsartarn
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Beng Hoon Tan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ming Hui Chua
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, #03-09 EA, Singapore 117575, Republic of Singapore
| | - Qingyu Yan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371, Republic of Singapore
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3
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He HB, Ding XL, Wang YY, Chen Y, Wang MM, Chen JJ, Li W. Catalysts with Trimetallic Sites on Graphene-like C 2N for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: A Theoretical Investigation. Chemphyschem 2024:e202400143. [PMID: 38726743 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202400143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a green and highly efficient way to replace the industrial Haber-Bosch process. Herein, clusters consisting of three transition metal atoms loaded on C2N as NRR electrocatalysts are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Meanwhile, Ca was introduced as a promoter and the role of Ca in NRR was investigated. It was found that Ca anchored to the catalyst can act as an electron donor and effectively promote the activation of N2 on M3. In both M3@C2N and M3Ca@C2N (M=Fe, Co, Ni), the limiting potential (UL) is less negative than that of the Ru(0001) surface and has the ability to suppress the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Among them, Fe3@C2N is suggested to be the most promising candidate for NRR with high thermal stability, strong N2 adsorption ability, low limiting potential, and good NRR selectivity. The concepts of trimetallic sites and alkaline earth metal promoters in this work provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of atomically active sites in electrocatalytic NRR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Bin He
- Institute of Clusters and Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - Xun-Lei Ding
- Institute of Clusters and Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
- School of New Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Physics and Energy Technology, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071000, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Ya Wang
- Institute of Clusters and Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
- School of New Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Institute of Clusters and Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
- School of New Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Meng Wang
- Institute of Clusters and Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
- School of New Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Chen
- Institute of Clusters and Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Clusters and Low Dimensional Nanomaterials, School of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Beinong Road 2, Changping, Beijing, 102206, P. R. China
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Jin D, Chen A, Lin BL. What Metals Should Be Used to Mediate Electrosynthesis of Ammonia from Nitrogen and Hydrogen from a Thermodynamic Standpoint? J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12320-12323. [PMID: 38597430 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Recently, metal-mediated electrochemical conversion of nitrogen and hydrogen to ammonia (M-eNRRs) has been attracting intense research attention as a potential route for ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. However, which metals should be used to mediate M-eNRRs remains unanswered. This work provides an extensive comparison of the energy consumption in the classical Haber Bosch (H-B) process and the M-eNRRs. The results indicate that when employing lithium and calcium, metals popularly used to mediate the M-eNRRs, the energy consumption is more than 10 times greater than that of the H-B process even assuming a 100% Faradaic efficiency and zero overpotentials. Only electrosynthesis with a cell voltage not exceeding 0.38 V might have the potential to rival the H-B process from an energetic perspective. A further analysis of other metals in the periodic table reveals that only some heavy metals, including In, Tl, Co, Ni, Ga, Mo, Sn, Pb, Fe, W, Ge, Re, Bi, Cu, Po, Tc, Ru, Rh, Ag, Hg, Pd, Ir, Pt, and Au, can potentially consume less energy than that of the H-B process purely from a thermodynamic standpoint, but whether they can activate N2 under ambient conditions is yet to be explored. This work shows the importance of performing thermodynamic analysis for the development of an innovative strategy to synthesize ammonia with the ultimate goal of replacing the H-B process on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Jin
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Information Science and Technology (SIST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Anqi Chen
- CarbonXtech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 200041, China
| | - Bo-Lin Lin
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
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5
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Wang D, Lu XF, Luan D, Lou XWD. Selective Electrocatalytic Conversion of Nitric Oxide to High Value-Added Chemicals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312645. [PMID: 38271637 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The artificial disturbance in the nitrogen cycle has necessitated an urgent need for nitric oxide (NO) removal. Electrochemical technologies for NO conversion have gained increasing attention in recent years. This comprehensive review presents the recent advancements in selective electrocatalytic conversion of NO to high value-added chemicals, with specific emphasis on catalyst design, electrolyte composition, mass diffusion, and adsorption energies of key intermediate species. Furthermore, the review explores the synergistic electrochemical co-electrolysis of NO with specific carbon source molecules, enabling the synthesis of a range of valuable chemicals with C─N bonds. It also provides in-depth insights into the intricate reaction pathways and underlying mechanisms, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and prospects of selective NO electrolysis. By advancing comprehension and fostering awareness of nitrogen cycle balance, this review contributes to the development of efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic systems for the selective synthesis of valuable chemicals from NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xue Feng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Deyan Luan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xiong Wen David Lou
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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Ren Y, Li S, Yu C, Zheng Y, Wang C, Qian B, Wang L, Fang W, Sun Y, Qiu J. NH 3 Electrosynthesis from N 2 Molecules: Progresses, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6409-6421. [PMID: 38412558 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Green ammonia (NH3), made by using renewable electricity to split nearly limitless nitrogen (N2) molecules, is a vital platform molecule and an ideal fuel to drive the sustainable development of human society without carbon dioxide emission. The NH3 electrosynthesis field currently faces the dilemma of low yield rate and efficiency; however, decoupling the overlapping issues of this area and providing guidelines for its development directions are not trivial because it involves complex reaction process and multidisciplinary entries (for example, electrochemistry, catalysis, interfaces, processes, etc.). In this Perspective, we introduce a classification scheme for NH3 electrosynthesis based on the reaction process, namely, direct (N2 reduction reaction) and indirect electrosynthesis (Li-mediated/plasma-enabled NH3 electrosynthesis). This categorization allows us to finely decouple the complicated reaction pathways and identify the specific rate-determining steps/bottleneck issues for each synthesis approach such as N2 activation, H2 evolution side reaction, solid-electrolyte interphase engineering, plasma process, etc. We then present a detailed overview of the latest progresses on solving these core issues in terms of the whole electrochemical system covering the electrocatalysts, electrodes, electrolytes, electrolyzers, etc. Finally, we discuss the research focuses and the promising strategies for the development of NH3 electrosynthesis in the future with a multiscale perspective of atomistic mechanisms, nanoscale electrocatalysts, microscale electrodes/interfaces, and macroscale electrolyzers/processes. It is expected that this Perspective will provide the readers with an in-depth understanding of the bottleneck issues and insightful guidance on designing the efficient NH3 electrosynthesis systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Liaoning Key Lab for Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Shaofeng Li
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Chang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Liaoning Key Lab for Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yihan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Liaoning Key Lab for Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Liaoning Key Lab for Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Bingzhi Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Liaoning Key Lab for Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Linshan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Liaoning Key Lab for Energy Materials and Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wenhui Fang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Institute of Clean Energy Chemistry, Key Laboratory for Green Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry of Advanced Materials of Liaoning Province, College of Chemistry, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Jieshan Qiu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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Yusov MA, Manthiram K. Beyond lithium for sustainable ammonia synthesis. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:31-32. [PMID: 38110514 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Yusov
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Karthish Manthiram
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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