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Graphene Derivatives and Graphene Composite Electrocatalysts for N 2 Reduction Reaction
Author(s) -
Wang Fei,
Mao Limin,
Xie Hongtao,
Mao Jian
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
small structures
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2688-4062
DOI - 10.1002/sstr.202000075
Subject(s) - graphene , electrocatalyst , redox , electrochemistry , materials science , electrolyte , ammonia , nanotechnology , density functional theory , chemical engineering , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , electrode , computational chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Ammonia (NH 3 ) plays a key role in human society. The conventional Haber–Bosch process under high temperature and pressure is widely used to synthesize NH 3 , resulting in huge energy costs and serious environmental issues. At present, the electrochemical conversion of nitrogen (N 2 ) and water (H 2 O) into NH 3 at ambient conditions is considered as a promising and alternative method, and electrocatalysts are critical for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to realize NH 3 synthesis. Graphene as an emerging 2D material has received significant attention in electrocatalysis NRR due to its unique properties such as high conductivity, specific surface area, a distinct 2D structure, and simplicity for modification. Herein, the electrochemical basis for NRR is provided including reactions in the NRR system, NRR mechanisms, criteria for NRR electrocatalysts (density functional theory and experiments), and verifying the nitrogen source and electrolytes. Then, the effect of doping (nonmetallic elements and single/dual metal atoms) and intrinsic defects on the NRR performance for graphene derivatives is reviewed, and the graphene composite electrocatalysts for NRR are summarized. Furthermore, deep sights and existing issues toward the further development of graphene derivatives and graphene composite electrocatalysts on NRR are discussed.