Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant Degradation

The generation of solvated electrons (SEs) from solid-state sources represents a transformative approach to driving challenging reduction reactions under ambient conditions. Diamond, with its almost unique negative electron affinity (NEA) and tunable electronic properties, is emerging as a promising...

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Main Author: Mattia Cattelan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Solids
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6497/6/2/24
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author Mattia Cattelan
author_facet Mattia Cattelan
author_sort Mattia Cattelan
collection DOAJ
description The generation of solvated electrons (SEs) from solid-state sources represents a transformative approach to driving challenging reduction reactions under ambient conditions. Diamond, with its almost unique negative electron affinity (NEA) and tunable electronic properties, is emerging as a promising candidate for SE generation in aqueous media. This perspective article reviews the current state of diamond-based SE generators and discusses their potential to catalyze sustainable nitrogen reduction (NRR) to ammonia, carbon dioxide reduction (CO<sub>2</sub>RR), and the degradation of persistent environmental pollutants. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental processes enabling SE photoinjection from diamond to water, recent experimental breakthroughs, and the prospects for scalable, green applications.
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spelling doaj-art-df5cb470d2c545f799ef17fcaed40bea2025-08-20T02:21:58ZengMDPI AGSolids2673-64972025-05-01622410.3390/solids6020024Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant DegradationMattia Cattelan0Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, ItalyThe generation of solvated electrons (SEs) from solid-state sources represents a transformative approach to driving challenging reduction reactions under ambient conditions. Diamond, with its almost unique negative electron affinity (NEA) and tunable electronic properties, is emerging as a promising candidate for SE generation in aqueous media. This perspective article reviews the current state of diamond-based SE generators and discusses their potential to catalyze sustainable nitrogen reduction (NRR) to ammonia, carbon dioxide reduction (CO<sub>2</sub>RR), and the degradation of persistent environmental pollutants. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental processes enabling SE photoinjection from diamond to water, recent experimental breakthroughs, and the prospects for scalable, green applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6497/6/2/24solvated electronshydrated electronsdiamondNRRCO<sub>2</sub>RRpollutant degradation
spellingShingle Mattia Cattelan
Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant Degradation
Solids
solvated electrons
hydrated electrons
diamond
NRR
CO<sub>2</sub>RR
pollutant degradation
title Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant Degradation
title_full Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant Degradation
title_fullStr Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant Degradation
title_full_unstemmed Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant Degradation
title_short Diamond-Based Solvated Electron Generators: A Perspective on Applications in NRR, CO<sub>2</sub>RR, and Pollutant Degradation
title_sort diamond based solvated electron generators a perspective on applications in nrr co sub 2 sub rr and pollutant degradation
topic solvated electrons
hydrated electrons
diamond
NRR
CO<sub>2</sub>RR
pollutant degradation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6497/6/2/24
work_keys_str_mv AT mattiacattelan diamondbasedsolvatedelectrongeneratorsaperspectiveonapplicationsinnrrcosub2subrrandpollutantdegradation