Electrifying the nitrogen cycle: An electrochemical endeavor

Abstract

The advent of the Haber–Bosch (HB) process has made accessible all forms of nitrogenous derivatives (ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, and amines), revolutionizing the chemical industry. However, the depleting natural resources and growing environmental concerns demand a shift toward an energy-abated and environment-friendly alternative to the HB process, hence the shift in the recent research focus. The electrochemical reduction pathway offers one of the most alluring prospects as a carbon-free, environment-friendly, energy-abated alternative to the HB process. In this context, we provide a holistic overview of the electrochemical pathways for nitrogen fixation into its activated forms and categorically discuss the energetical and technological challenges that researchers encounter, simultaneously highlighting commendable contributions in the field. We also propose research targets that can serve as a benchmark to measure progress toward the practical realization of the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction.