J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2023, Vol. 140: 121-134.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2022.07.063

• Review Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Recent progress of iron-based electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction

Tianyi Wanga, Zhongyuan Guoa, Xiaoli Zhangb, Qinye Lia, Aimin Yua, Chengzhang Wuc,*, Chenghua Suna,*   

  1. aDepartment of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia;
    bSchool of Material Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
    cState Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Ferrometallurgy, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
  • Received:2022-05-27 Revised:2022-07-07 Accepted:2022-07-31 Published:2023-03-20 Online:2023-03-06
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: chenghuasun@swin.edu.au (C. Wu), wucz@shu.edu.cn (C. Sun).

Abstract: Ammonia is a critical feedstock for modern industry and agriculture, which is also a promising carbon-free energy carrier. Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is a sustainable and efficient approach to synthesize ammonia under ambient reaction conditions. ENRR relies on the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts. So far various strategies have been applied to enhance the performance of catalysts including tuning the electronic structure, binding strength, coordination configuration as well as the introduction of multiple active sites and defects. In this review, the recent progress of Fe-based electrocatalysts and their coordination effect, synergistic effect and defect effect for nitrogen reduction reaction have been summarized. Our critical review focuses on the discussion of theoretical advancement, the performance origin of ENRR activity and selectivity of Fe-based electrocatalysts.