Methods for Nitrogen Fixation and Its Reduction to Ammonia

Abstract

The research and development of novel materials to produce ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen at atmospheric pressure and room temperature is a hot topic at the present time. Even today, ammonia is still being produced using the conventional Haber-Bosch synthesis, which requires high pressures and temperatures and uses fossil fuels, thus producing significant greenhouse gas emissions. This work is therefore focused on the possibility of preparation and research of new materials capable to fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it to ammonia under mild conditions. Photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, plasmonic structures, and their combinations can be used for such reductions. In addition to that, this study outlines the advances achieved so far, as well as the general background of the subject.