Centi G, Perathoner S. Nanocarbon for Energy Material Applications: N
2 Reduction Reaction.
SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021;
17:e2007055. [PMID:
33682312 DOI:
10.1002/smll.202007055]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanocarbons are an important class of energy materials and one relevant application is for the nitrogen reduction reaction, i.e., the direct synthesis of NH3 from N2 and H2 O via photo- and electrocatalytic approaches. Ammonia is also a valuable energy or hydrogen vector. This perspective paper analyses developments in the field, limiting discussion to nanocarbon-based electrodes. These aspects are discussed: i) active sites related to charge density differences on C atoms associated to defects/strains, ii) doping with heteroatoms, iii) introduction of isolated metal ions, iv) creation and in situ dynamics of metal oxide(hydroxide)/nanocarbon boundaries, and v) nanocarbon characteristics to control the interface. Discussion is focused on the performances and mechanistic aspects. Aim is not a systematic state-of-the-art report but to highlight the need to use a different perspective in studying this challenging reaction by using selected papers. Notwithstanding the large differences in the proposed nature of the active sites, fall all within a restricted range of performances, far from the targets. A holistic approach is emphasized to make a breakthrough advance.
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