Electrochemical nitrogen fixation in metal-N2 batteries: A paradigm for simultaneous NH3 synthesis and energy generation
File version
Author(s)
Shareef, Mahmud
Zabed, Hossain M
Qi, Xianghui
Chowdhury, Faisal Islam
Das, Jagotamoy
Uddin, Jamal
Kaneti, Yusuf Valentino
Khandaker, Mayeen Uddin
Ullah, Md Habib
Masud, Mostafa Kamal
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) has emerged as the most effective alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process for N2 fixation. Although NRR is only used in the synthesis of NH3, researchers have recently exploited it in Metal-N2 batteries (hereafter, M-N2 batteries) to kill two birds with one stone by fixing N2 and generating electricity at the same time. There are three types of electrochemical energy storage approaches, namely rechargeable with irreversible electrochemical reaction (under aqueous or non-aqueous conditions), non-rechargeable with irreversible electrochemical reaction (under aqueous conditions), and rechargeable with reversible electrochemical reaction (under non-aqueous conditions). However, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an aqueous medium takes precedence over the NRR, resulting in a poor Faradic efficiency (FE) for the NRR selectivity. This obvious but unwanted HER causes the low conversion efficiency in aqueous M-N2 batteries. Furthermore, the instability of cathode electrocatalysts causes a significant drop in the overall performance of M-N2 batteries. Despite these flaws, M-N2 batteries represent the first step toward simultaneous N2 fixation and energy storage. Herein, we comprehensively review the NRR mechanism, electrochemistry, and performances of M-N2 batteries. With an emphasis on the strategies to design highly efficient cathode catalysts and electrolytes for future M-N2 batteries, we also chronicle the strategies to suppress the undesired HER in M-N2 batteries. Furthermore, based on the photoelectrochemical NRR and solar-powered metal-gas batteries, a future outlook on photo-assisted M-N2 batteries is also provided.
Journal Title
Energy Storage Materials
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
54
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Electrical energy storage
Nanotechnology
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Chemistry, Physical
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Islam, J; Shareef, M; Zabed, HM; Qi, X; Chowdhury, FI; Das, J; Uddin, J; Kaneti, YV; Khandaker, MU; Ullah, MH; Masud, MK, Electrochemical nitrogen fixation in metal-N2 batteries: A paradigm for simultaneous NH3 synthesis and energy generation, Energy Storage Materials, 2023, 54, pp. 98-119