Recent development of high-performance photocatalysts for N2 fixation: A review

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2021-02, Vol.9 (1), p.104997, Article 104997
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Dang Le Tri, Tekalgne, Mahider Asmare, Nguyen, Thi Hong Chuong, Dinh, Minh Tuan Nguyen, Sana, Siva Sankar, Grace, Andrews Nirmala, Shokouhimehr, Mohammadreza, Vo, Dai-Viet N., Cheng, Chin Kui, Nguyen, Chinh Chien, Kim, Soo Young, Le, Quyet Van
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Co-catalyst; Defect; Doping; N2 activation; N2 fixation; Photocatalyst
• ISSN: 2213-3437; 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2020.104997

Photocatalytic N2 fixation has emerged as a potential alternative pathway to synthesize NH3. However, poor light absorption, restricted charge separation, the extreme stability of N2 molecules caused by the N≡N bond, and the 6e--involved reactions are considered to be bottlenecks limiting the overall photocatalytic performance. In this context, the nature of the active sites plays a crucial role, which is associated with N2 adsorption, activation, and reduction. In this review, we provide forefront research on the development of highly active sites for photon-induced N2 fixation. Thus, three essential sections, namely (i) defect-rich photocatalysts, (ii) metal and nonmetal doping photocatalysts, and (iii) emerged co-catalysts, are highlighted to create a panorama of the materials approach to solar-driven N2 fixation. Finally, a summary and future outlook are given. It is hoped that this review will provide a broad picture and inspire the exploration of novel photocatalysts for efficient NH3 production. [Display omitted] •Solar-driven photocatalytic N2 fixation was reviewed.•Key factors to facilitate N2- to-NH3 conversion were mentioned.•Various strategies to develop high-performance photocatalysts for N2 fixation were discussed.