Mechanistic origin and scale-up science in an electrochemical ammonia synthesis process

Abstract

The electrocatalytic synthesis of ammonia via electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) has the potential as an efficient decarbonizing method for ammonia production in decentralized production facilities. Due to the elusive design of the standard catalysts for eNRR, research efforts have been generally focused on the selectivity issues on the various catalyst proposed until today. Herein, we suggest the development strategies for eNRR, not only from the point of view of the catalyst design to overcome the selectivity issues, but also from the electrolyte and reactor types. We believe that this perspective article provides new insights into the scale-up science for the eNRR and the future commercialization ofelectrocatalytic ammonia synthesis process.