The_Catalyst_Review_December_2023 - 12

SPECIAL FEATURE
The efficacy of most electrocatalysts in aqueous systems is compromised by the presence of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER),
which consumes a significant amount of electrons and protons to generate H2
strategies that enhance catalytic activity and selectivity for NH3
. Therefore, there is a strong need to implement
the use of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) to encapsulate the electrocatalyst, thereby reducing the absorption of H atoms on
the catalyst surface, which proves to be an effective means of suppressing HER. Additionally, enhancing N2
in the suppression of HER. Furthermore, elevating K+
formation by mitigating the impact of HER. One approach involves
solubility to augment N2
adsorption on active sites represents another effective strategy to mitigate HER. Moreover, the utilization of supporting electrolytes,
such as high-concentration K+
The active sites of the catalyst play a crucial role in the adsorption and activation of N2
dual purpose of enhancing catalyst utilization and exposing more active sites for N2
. Reducing the size of the catalyst serves a
adsorption and activation. Additionally, unique
structures like sharp spikes have the ability to concentrate the electric field at their tips, facilitating the electrochemical reduction
reaction in proximity to the electrode. Consequently, the strategic engineering of catalysts with distinctive structures emerges as an
effective approach to enhance catalyst performance in NH3
synthesis. The electron transfer between the catalyst and adsorbed N2
molecules determines catalyst activity. Introducing heteroatom doping proves to be a valuable method for modulating the electronic
structure of the catalyst. It is crucial to highlight that the catalyst's performance is significantly influenced by the heteroatom content,
emphasizing the importance of optimizing the doping concentration.
Conclusion
Electrocatalysis-driven electrochemical synthesis presents a transformative approach to sustainable chemistry and renewable energy
integration. By harnessing the capabilities of electrocatalysts to drive selective and efficient reactions, this field has the potential to
revolutionize chemical production while reducing the environmental footprint. The synergy between electrocatalysis and renewable
energy resources opens new avenues for advancing the global transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
CO2
RR and NRR are just two of the promising routes for the application of electrochemical synthesis methods.
Electrocatalysis-driven CO2
By harnessing the capabilities of electrocatalysts to guide CO2
conversion has the potential to revolutionize carbon management and renewable energy integration.
reduction reactions, we can simultaneously mitigate climate change,
produce valuable chemicals and fuels, and advance the transition to a sustainable energy future.
The electrochemical synthesis of ammonia presents a transformative opportunity to revolutionize the nitrogen fixation process.
Advances in catalyst development, reactor design, and energy integration have brought this technology closer to practical
implementation. While challenges remain, the potential benefits in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental impact
make electrochemical ammonia synthesis a promising avenue for the future.
While the potential of electrochemical synthesis is promising, challenges remain to be addressed. Catalyst stability, scalability,
and cost-effectiveness are critical concerns that require innovative strategies in catalyst design and engineering. Furthermore,
understanding complex reaction mechanisms and optimizing catalysts for multielectron processes remain active areas of research.
Your Author
Dr. Vahide Nuran MUTLU is currently a Process Development Supervisor at SOCAR Türkiye Research & Development and
Innovation. She got her PhD in Chemical Engineering, M.Sc in Material Science and Engineering, and B. Sc in Chemical
Engineering at Izmir Institute of Technology, Türkiye, where she worked as a research assistant for nine years. She has
more than 12 years' experience in design and synthesis of solid catalysts, catalyst characterization, reaction engineering.
She has worked in many national and international funded projects as researcher and project leader. Her research interest
is the hydrogen technologies, CCUS, chemical plastic recycling and catalytic biomass utilization. She can be reached at
vahide.mutlu@socar.com.tr.
References
1. Le, Q.V. et al 2021. Light-driven reduction of carbon dioxide: altering the reaction pathways and designing photocatalysts toward value-added and renewable fuels. Chem. Eng. Sci. 237, 116547.
2. Peng, W. et al 2021. A roadmap towards the development of superior photocatalysts for solar- driven CO2-to-fuels production. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 148, 111298.
3. Haegel, N.M. et al., 2017. Terawatt-scale photovoltaics: trajectories and challenges. Science 356, 141.
4. Bhardwaj, R. et al., 2021. Integrated catalytic insights into methanol production: sustainable framework for CO2 conversion. J. Environ. Manag. 289, 112468.
5. Cihan, N. et al., 2021. A hybrid chemo-biocatalytic system of carbonic anhydrase submerged in CO2-phillic sterically hindered amines for enhanced CO2 capture and conversion into carbonates. Int. J.
Greenh. Gas Control 111, 103465.
6. Sharma, T. et al., 2020. Energizing the CO2 utilization by chemo-enzymatic approaches and potentiality of carbonic anhydrases: a review. J. Clean. Prod. 247, 119138.
7. Sa, Y.J. et al., 2020. Catalyst-electrolyte interface chemistry for electrochemical CO2 reduction. Chem. Soc. Rev. 18.
8. Marques Mota, F., Kim, D.H., 2019. From CO2 methanation to ambitious long-chain hydrocarbons: alternative fuels paving the path to sustainability. Chem. Soc. Rev. 48, 205-259.
9. Lin, R. et al., 2020. Electrochemical Reactors for CO2 Conversion. Catalysts 10, 473.
10. Nguyen, D.L.T. et al., 2022. Electrochemical conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals over bimetallic Pd-based nanostructures: Recent progress and emerging trends. Environmental Research 211,
113116.
11. Zhao, R. et al., 2019. Recent progress in the electrochemical ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. EnergyChem 1, 100011.
12. Wu, T. et al., 2021. Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia: Progress and challenges. Materials Today Physics 16, 100310.
, can be employed to impede proton migration from the bulk solution to the electrode surface, resulting
concentrations contributes to an enhanced degree of HER suppression.
12
The Catalyst Review
December 2023

The_Catalyst_Review_December_2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The_Catalyst_Review_December_2023