Molybdenum-based materials for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction

Ammonia is an important chemical for agriculture and industry and also a promising energy carrier. Nitrogen reduction by renewable energy is an attractive technology for ammonia production. Because of their high affinity for nitrogen, molybdenum (Mo)-based nanomaterials have been demonstrated to be efficient electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). In this review, we focus on the recent progress of Mo-based electrocatalysts for NRR under ambient conditions. First, we discuss multiple pathways of the proton-electron transfer involved in the electrocatalytic NRR. Second, we summarize recent advances of Mo-based catalysts, with emphasis on the relationship between the local environment of the catalytic site and the catalytic activity, and related mechanisms. Third, we provide a perspective of the challenges and future opportunities of Mo-based NRR catalysts.