Recently, a research group led by Prof. DENG Dehui from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) summarized the main conversion pathways of nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) with the related technical methods of this area.
This study was published in National Science Review on March 8.
Schematic illustration of strategies and perspectives for direct conversion of key air components (Image by LI Di)
N2 and O2 are the key components of air. Direct conversion of abundant N2 and O2 into NO2 and C-N-O organics, rather than via the intermediate NH3 from the Haber-Bosch process, is a promising process.
However, the extremely strong N≡N triple bond (945 kJ mol-1) and the stable nonpolar electron configuration of dinitrogen render its conversion an extensively energy-demanding process. The further selective synthesis of high-value C-N-O organics directly from N2, O2, and C-containing molecules is still challenging from both fundamental research and engineering perspectives.
The researchers discussed the status and challenges in the direct conversion of N2, O2, and C-containing molecules (particularly N2 and O2) via traditional and novel techniques, including thermochemical, plasma, electrochemical, ultrasonic, and photochemical conversion.
Furthermore, they proposed future perspectives and strategies, coupling multiple energy input and reaction processes, introducing other molecules to reduce the reaction energy barrier, and developing new catalysts.
The work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.