Recent advances of ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions over metal-organic framework based electrocatalysts

Abstract

Ammonia (NH3) is an essential chemical and a promising fuel, but its industrially produced process is carbon-intensive and highly energy-consuming. Developing a green and sustainable NH3 synthesis route is extremely urgent. Electrochemical ammonia synthesis (EAS) powered by renewable electricity energy under ambient conditions is fascinating, while exploring the efficient electrocatalysts and suitable nitrogen source is critical. Due to the unique characteristics of adjustable porosity and component, large specific surface area and diverse structure, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their various derivatives have captured immense interest in EAS. Herein, the advance in EAS via electrocatalytic reduction reactions (ERRs) from various nitrogen source under ambient conditions over MOF-based electrocatalysts is timely summarized, aiming to offer a deep insight to the structure-activity relationship of MOF-based electrocatalysts for EAS. Current challenges and future prospects for EAS are proposed at the end of this review as well.