Insights into nitrogenase bioelectrocatalysis for green ammonia production.

Abstract

There is a growing interest in using ammonia as a liquid carrier of hydrogen for energy applications. Currently, ammonia is produced industrially by the Haber-Bosch process, which requires high temperature and high pressure. In contrast, bacteria have naturally evolved an enzyme known as nitrogenase, that is capable of producing ammonia and hydrogen at ambient temperature and pressure. Therefore, nitrogenases are attractive as a potentially more efficient means to produce ammonia via harnessing the unique properties of this enzyme. In recent years, exciting progress has been made in bioelectrocatalysis using nitrogenases to produce ammonia. Here, we outline the prospects for developing biological ammonia production, highlight the key advances in bioelectrocatalysis by nitrogenases and discuss possible solutions to the obstacles faced in realising this goal.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1002/cssc.202001433

Journal

ChemSusChem

Year

2020