Advantages and limitations of different electrochemical NH3 production methods under ambient conditions: A review

Abstract

Chemical industries largely produce NH3, which has widespread applications in fertilizer, textile, and explosive manufacturing. This study discusses the recent developments in electrochemical NH3 production methods and reviews the advantages and disadvantages of three different electrocatalytic reactions for NH3 production (direct N2 hydrogenation, indirect or mediated N2 reduction followed by chemical NH3 formation, and NOx reduction reaction); additionally, the key challenges in realizing large-scale NH3 production were assessed using sustainable methods. Each method demonstrated specific advantages and limitations for its industrial application and methods that should be improved to replace the Haber-Bosch process on an industrial scale were discussed. Overall, the review indicated that in the future, each NH3 production method should be investigated comprehensively to realize practical and sustainable NH3 production.