Question

explain the role of d block element as catalyst in nitrogen fixation in nature

Answer 1

Answer:

The production of synthetic ammonia remains dependent on the energy- and capital-intensive

Haber-Bosch process. Extensive research in molecular catalysis has demonstrated ammonia

production from di-nitrogen, albeit at low production rates. Mechanistic understanding of di-

nitrogen reduction to ammonia continues to be delineated through study of molecular catalyst

structure, as well as through understanding the naturally-occurring nitrogenase enzyme. The

transition to Haber-Bosch alternatives through robust, heterogeneous catalyst surfaces remains

an unsolved research challenge. Catalysts for electrochemical reduction of di-nitrogen to

ammonia are a specific focus of research, due to the potential to compete with Haber-Bosch and

eliminate associated carbon dioxide emissions. However, limited progress has been made, as

most electrocatalyst surfaces lack specificity towards nitrogen fixation. In this review, we discuss

the progress of the field in developing a mechanistic understanding of nitrogenase-promoted and

molecular catalyst-promoted ammonia synthesis and provide a review of the state-of-the-art and

scientific needs for heterogeneous electrocatalysts.