The Role of Defects in Metal–Organic Frameworks for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: When Defects Switch to Features. (22nd February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khalil, Islam E.; Xue, Cong; Liu, Wenjing; Li, Xiaohan; Shen, Yu; Li, Sheng; Zhang, Weina; Huo, Fengwei
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 31:Number 17(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-02-22
• Subjects: defect engineering -- electrocatalysis -- metal–organic framework derivatives -- metal–organic frameworks -- nitrogen reduction reaction; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202010052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract: The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), a contributor for producing ammonia under mild conditions sustainably, has recently attracted global research attention. Thus far, the design of highly efficient electrocatalysts to enhance NRR efficiency is a specific focus of the research. Among them, defect engineering of electrocatalysts is considered a significant way to improve electrocatalytic efficiency by regulating the electronic state and providing more active sites that can give electrocatalysts better physicochemical properties. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), along with their derivatives, have captured immense interest in electrocatalytic reactions owing to not only their large surface area and high porosity but also the ability to create rich defects in their structures. Hence, they can provide plenty of exposed active sites for electron transfer, NN cleavage, and N2 adsorption to enhance NRR performance. Herein, the concept, the in situ characterizations techniques for defects, and the most common ways to create defects into MOFs have been summarized. Furthermore, the recent advances of MOF‐based electrocatalysts towards NRR have been recapitulated. Ultimately, the major challenges and outlook of defects in MOFs for NRR are proposed. This paper is anticipated to provide critical guidelines for optimizing NRR electrocatalysts. Abstract : Nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is one of the most attractive topics for achieving clean and sustainable ammonia. This review discusses the recent progress of defect engineering of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for NRR. There are different types of MOF‐derived materials that enhance NRR performance. These outputs render MOFs to be the centerpiece for various applications especially energy conversion applications.