Recent engineering advances in nanocatalysts for NH3-to-H2 conversion technologies

Abstract

The production and handling of hydrogen (H2) energy has recently been recognized as being one of the most important technology issues to achieve a sustainable H2 economy in the future. Different NH3-to-H2 conversion technologies and especially ammonia electrooxidation reaction (AER) have been considered an effective mean for high-performance H2 energy application alongside the progress of water electrolysis approach. Since AER at low temperature (<100 °C) causes sluggish kinetics, the reaction efficiency seriously depends on cost of electric source and catalytic efficiency. Therefore, various engineering approaches to design nanocatalysts with the unique modification of surface chemistry, electronic structure, electroactive sites, and conductivity have emerged to enhance their activity and stability towards AER. The AER kinetics and mechanism on nanocatalyst surface were also investigated to further understand issues associated with this technology during H2 production, and then to find sufficient candidates for effective commercialization. Herein, we provided a summary of recent advanced NH3-to-H2 technologies together with a comprehensive review of nanocatalyst development towards H2 production via AER. Pros and cons of nanocatalysts, along with their promising commercialization future were also discussed in detail. The review is expected to offer useful knowledge to accelerate future research into this potential technology.