Rational design on photo(electro)catalysts for artificial nitrogen looping

Abstract

Nitrogen, one of most important elements on the Earth, plays an essential role in shaping the modern society. The natural nitrogen looping, however, is insufficient to satisfy the high demand of the large-scale human activities. To achieve a more sustainable and efficient utilization of nitrogen, artificial nitrogen looping by photo(electro)catalytic processes has been considered as a feasible strategy. In this context, the rational design on the high-performance catalysts for nitrogen looping becomes increasingly important and urgent. On this basis, herein, we provide a timely review on the recent progress, achievements, and essential challenges for the artificial nitrogen looping process, mainly including photo(electro)catalytic transformations among dinitrogen, ammonia, gaseous nitrogen oxides, nitrate, and so on. Especially, the photo(electro)catalysts used in various reactions involved in nitrogen looping, including nitrogen reduction reaction, nitrogen oxidation reaction, ammonia oxidation reaction, ammonia decomposition reaction, etc., are systematically introduced. Finally, we hope that this review will help us deepen the understanding of nitrogen looping-related photo(electro)catalysts, and further pave a way toward the sustainable development on energy and environment. (Figure presented.).