Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• The review provides a brief overview of basic mechanisms, element selections, activity confirmation, and experimental protocols of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation under mild conditions. • The review details strategies for scale-up photocatalysts in nitrogen fixation, emphasizing defect engineering, facet optimization, heteroatom doping, single-atom site creation, and composite synthesis. • The review emphasizes the importance of environmental assessment for photocatalyst lifecycle sustainability in mild nitrogen fixation for the future. • The review offers forward-looking recommendations to propel the advancement of mild nitrogen photo-fixation, addressing challenges and prospects in the field.
Abstract
Ammonia and nitric acid, versatile industrial feedstocks, and burgeoning clean energy vectors hold immense promise for sustainable development. However, Haber–Bosch and Ostwald processes, which generates carbon dioxide as massive by-product, contribute to greenhouse effects and pose environmental challenges. Thus, the pursuit of nitrogen fixation through carbon–neutral pathways under benign conditions is a frontier of scientific topics, with the harnessing of solar energy emerging as an enticing and viable option. This review delves into the refinement strategies for scale-up mild photocatalytic nitrogen fixation, fields ripe with potential for innovation. The narrative is centered on enhancing the intrinsic capabilities of catalysts to surmount current efficiency barriers. Key focus areas include the in-depth exploration of fundamental mechanisms underpinning photocatalytic procedures, rational element selection, and functional planning, state-of-the-art experimental protocols for understanding photo-fixation processes, valid photocatalytic activity evaluation, and the rational design of catalysts. Furthermore, the review offers a suite of forward-looking recommendations aimed at propelling the advancement of mild nitrogen photo-fixation. It scrutinizes the existing challenges and prospects within this burgeoning domain, aspiring to equip researchers with insightful perspectives that can catalyze the evolution of cutting-edge nitrogen fixation methodologies and steer the development of next-generation photocatalytic systems.
1. Introduction
In the critical processes of chemical industry and agricultural production, nitrogen fixation is of paramount importance. The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) and nitric acid (HNO3) is a cornerstone for global food security and the development of the chemical industry [1–4]. The traditional Haber–Bosch (H–B) and Ostwald processes, while pivotal in the history of industrial chemistry, exert significant environmental pressure due to their high energy consumption and substantial greenhouse gas emissions [5]. Traditional nitrogen fixation methods rely on high temperatures and pressures, along with catalysts. For instance, the H–B process requires temperatures of 300–400 °C and pressures of 200 atm, which are energy-intensive and limit application flexibility. The produced NH3 often contains impurities such as methane and hydrogen (H2), reducing the purity and efficiency of the ammoxidation process [6, 7].
To address these issues, researchers have embarked on an innovative exploration of low-energy nitrogen fixation. During this exploration, various alternative approaches have been investigated. However, it is crucial to note that even when considering the use of green hydrogen in the Haber–Bosch process, it still presents significant limitations. The high-temperature and high-pressure requirements of the Haber–Bosch process lead to inevitable energy losses during operation, despite the utilization of a supposedly sustainable energy source. The infrastructure needed to maintain such extreme conditions is costly and complex. In contrast, photocatalytic nitrogen fixation holds the potential to not only avoid these issues but also offers a more decentralized and flexible solution [8, 9]. This is because it can operate under mild conditions, making it adaptable to a wider range of scenarios and potentially reducing the overall environmental footprint. From refining traditional processes to adopting emerging technologies, significant improvements in energy efficiency have been achieved, propelling the green transformation of the chemical industry [10, 11]. Among these advancements, the development of photocatalysis technology has brought breakthroughs to low-energy photocatalytic nitrogen fixation [12, 13]. Photocatalysts under mild conditions utilize solar energy to achieve nitrogen reduction, opening new avenues for nitrogen fixation [14–18].
However, the industrial application of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation technology faces numerous challenges, with the structural design and optimization of photo...
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Xiao Hu Wang, Bin Wu, Yongfa Zhu, Dingsheng Wang, Nian Bing Li, Zhichuan J. Xu, Hong Qun Luo (2025). Design Refinement of Catalytic System for Scale-Up Mild Nitrogen Photo-Fixation. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01695-3
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this review?
The review focuses on design refinement strategies for scale-up mild photocatalytic nitrogen fixation, aiming to enhance catalyst efficiency and sustainability.
Why is photocatalytic nitrogen fixation considered a promising alternative to traditional methods?
It operates under mild conditions using solar energy, avoiding high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with Haber-Bosch and Ostwald processes.
What are the key strategies discussed for catalyst design?
Key strategies include defect engineering, facet optimization, heteroatom doping, single-atom site creation, and composite synthesis.
What is the significance of environmental assessment in this context?
Environmental assessment ensures the lifecycle sustainability of photocatalysts, addressing potential environmental impacts beyond just efficiency.
What are the future directions proposed in the review?
The review proposes forward-looking recommendations to advance mild nitrogen photo-fixation, including addressing challenges and prospects in the field.
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