Solar-to-Ammonia: Advances in Photocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Materials

Yergesheva A. Amrenova Y. Zhengis A. Kanagat Y. Almas N. Karibayev M. Rakhmetullayeva R. Nuraje N. Abutalip M.
December 2025 Engineered Science Publisher

ES Energy and Environment
2025 #30

Ammonia (NH₃) is fundamental to worldwide food production and the developing hydrogen economy; nevertheless, traditional Haber–Bosch synthesis has a significant energy and carbon impact. Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction (PNR) presents a solar-driven alternative capable of functioning under ambient circumstances. This paper examines recent advancements in PNR materials and methodologies. We examine design motifs in oxides/oxyhalides, g-C₃N₄ derivatives, sulfides, nitrides/carbides, MOF/COF hybrids, 2D carbons, and single-atom catalysts, focusing on defect engineering, heterojunctions (type-II, Z- and S-scheme), plasmonic/photothermal coupling, alkali promoters, and surface wettability control to facilitate N≡N activation while inhibiting the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. We aggregate performance metrics—rates, a quantum efficiency that is visible, solar-to-ammonia efficiency, turnover—and emphasize thorough validation: pure¹⁵N₂ labeling, dark/Ar/no-catalyst controls, interference from hydrazine and pre-adsorbed nitrogen species, and clear error bars. The discussion encompasses advancements in reactors and processes (slurry versus immobilized films, gas-liquid contactors, light management, in-situ NH₃ capture) as well as durability challenges and techno-economic factors. We conclude with a strategic framework: standardized benchmarks, operando/DFT-informed active-site design (incorporating enzyme-inspired single atoms), tandem photo-thermo-electro methods, and scaling towards m²-class modules and real-water functionality.

Ammonia , Charge transfer , Hydrogen evolution reaction , Nitrogen fixation , Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction , Semiconductors

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Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Limited Liability Company TEQNOVATE, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciecnes, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan

Renewable Energy Laboratory
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Limited Liability Company TEQNOVATE
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Department of Chemistry

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