Electrochemical reduction of N2 in mild conditions using redox or chemical catalysis: towards alternatives to the Haber-Bosch process?
Abstract
Decarbonized Ammonia (NH 3 ) production from N 2 reduction under mild conditions (temperature and pressure) is highly desirable. The overall process requires a six electrons-six protons addition to N 2 . Activation of the very inert dinitrogen molecule (N 2 ) is nevertheless challenging. In this review, we present works focusing on two alternative strategies for N 2 fixation using electrochemical means. The first one relies on activation of N 2 at Li/Ca, followed by proton transfers to form NH 3 , while the second relies on the use of transition metal complexes to achieve proton-coupled electron transfers.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts
Metalloenzymes and iron-sulfur proteins
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Coordination Chemistry Reviews
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 557
- Pages
- 217726–217726
- Publication date
- 20 February 2026
- Language
- EN