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He C, Chen Y, Hao Z, Wang L, Wang M, Cui X. Mechanocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia by Titanium Dioxide with Bridge-Oxygen Vacancies: Investigating Mechanism from the Experimental and First-Principle Approach. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309500. [PMID: 38368265 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Mechanochemical ammonia (NH3) synthesis is an emerging mild approach derived from nitrogen (N2) gas and hydrogen (H) source. The gas-liquid phase mechanochemical process utilizes water (H2O), rather than conventional hydrogen (H2) gas, as H sources, thus avoiding carbon dioxide (CO2) emission during H2 production. However, ammonia yield is relatively low to meet practical demand due to huge energy barriers of N2 activation and H2O dissociation. Here, six transition metal oxides (TMO) such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), copper(II) oxide (CuO), niobium(V) oxide(Nb2O5), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper(I) oxide (Cu2O) are investigated as catalysts in mechanochemical N2 fixation. Among them, TiO2 shows the best mechanocatalytic effect and the optimum reaction rate constant is 3.6-fold higher than the TMO-free process. The theoretical calculations show that N2 molecules prefer to side-on chemisorb on the mechano-induced bridge-oxygen vacancies in the (101) crystal plane of TiO2 catalyst, while H2O molecules can dissociate on the same sites more easily to provide free H atoms, enabling an alternative-way hydrogeneration process of activated N2 molecules to release NH3 eventually. This work highlights the cost-effective TiO2 mechanocatalyst for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions and proposes a defect-engineering-induced mechanocatalytic mechanism to promote N2 activation and H2O dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengli He
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, 200234, P. R. China
| | - Zixiang Hao
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Linrui Wang
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Mingyan Wang
- School of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, 222005, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Cui
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
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Reichle S, Kang L, Demirbas D, Weidenthaler C, Felderhoff M, DeBeer S, Schüth F. Mechanocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia: State of the Catalyst During Reaction and Deactivation Pathway. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317038. [PMID: 38372407 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia synthesis holds significant importance for both agricultural fertilizer production and emerging green energy applications. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of a catalyst for mechanochemical ammonia synthesis, based on Cs-promoted Fe. The study sheds light on the catalyst's dynamic evolution under reaction conditions and the origin of deactivation. Initially, elemental Cs converts to CsH, followed by partial CsOH formation due to trace oxygen impurities on the surface of the Fe metal and the equipment. Concurrently, the mechanical milling process comminutes Fe, exposing fresh metallic Fe surfaces. This comminution correlates with an induction period observed during ammonia formation. Critical to the study, degradation of active Cs promoter species (CsH and CsNH2) into inactive CsOH emerged as the primary deactivation mechanism. By increasing the Cs content from 2.2 mol % to 4.2 mol %, we achieved stable, continuous ammonia synthesis for nearly 90 hours, showcasing one of the longest-running mechanocatalytic gas phase reactions. Studies of the temperature dependence of the reaction revealed negligible bulk temperature influence in the range of -10 °C to 100 °C, highlighting the dominance of mechanical action over bulk thermal effects. This study offers insights into the complex interplay between mechanical processing, reactive species, and deactivation mechanisms in mechanocatalytic ammonia synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Reichle
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis/, Department of Molecular Theory and Spectroscopy (JWS), Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Liqun Kang
- Department of Inorganic Spectroscopy, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstraße 34-36, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Derya Demirbas
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis/, Department of Molecular Theory and Spectroscopy (JWS), Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Claudia Weidenthaler
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis/, Department of Molecular Theory and Spectroscopy (JWS), Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Michael Felderhoff
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis/, Department of Molecular Theory and Spectroscopy (JWS), Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Serena DeBeer
- Department of Inorganic Spectroscopy, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Stiftstraße 34-36, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Ferdi Schüth
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis/, Department of Molecular Theory and Spectroscopy (JWS), Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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Lee JS, Han GF, Baek JB. Mechanochemical Ammonia Synthesis: Old is New Again. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202300459. [PMID: 37300339 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen is a promising clean energy source, an alternative to fossil fuels, and can potentially play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. The transportation and storage of hydrogen are the biggest hurdles to realizing a hydrogen economy. Ammonia is considered to be one of the most promising hydrogen carriers, because of its high hydrogen content and easy liquefaction in mild conditions. To date, ammonia is mostly produced by the 'thermocatalytic' Haber-Bosch process, which requires high temperature and pressure. As a result, it can only produce ammonia in 'centralized' manufacturing systems. Mechanochemistry, a newly emerging method for efficient ammonia synthesis, offers potential advantages over the Haber-Bosch process. Mechanochemical ammonia synthesis under near ambient conditions can be connected with 'localized' sustainable energy systems. In this perspective, the state-of-the-art mechanochemical ammonia synthesis processes will be introduced. Challenges and opportunities are also discussed in relation to its role in a hydrogen economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Seong Lee
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST, Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Gao-Feng Han
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 5988 Renmin St., Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Jong-Beom Baek
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST, Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
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Boldyreva E. Spiers Memorial Lecture: Mechanochemistry, tribochemistry, mechanical alloying - retrospect, achievements and challenges. Faraday Discuss 2023; 241:9-62. [PMID: 36519434 DOI: 10.1039/d2fd00149g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The paper presents a view on the achievements, challenges and prospects of mechanochemistry. The extensive reference list can serve as a good entry point to a plethora of mechanochemical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Boldyreva
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS & Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
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Reichle S, Felderhoff M, Schüth F. Mechanocatalytic Room-Temperature Synthesis of Ammonia from Its Elements Down to Atmospheric Pressure. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:26385-26389. [PMID: 34651400 PMCID: PMC9299217 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ammonia synthesis via the high-temperature and high-pressure Haber-Bosch process is one of the most important chemical processes in the world. In spite of numerous attempts over the last 100 years, continuous Haber-Bosch type ammonia synthesis at room-temperature had not been possible, yet. We report the development of a mechanocatalytic system operating continuously at room-temperature and at pressures down to 1 bar. With optimized experimental conditions, a cesium-promoted iron catalyst was shown to produce ammonia at concentrations of more than 0.2 vol. % for over 50 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Reichle
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Michael Felderhoff
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
| | - Ferdi Schüth
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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Reichle S, Felderhoff M, Schüth F. Mechanocatalytic Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Ammonia from Its Elements Down to Atmospheric Pressure. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Reichle
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany
| | - Michael Felderhoff
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany
| | - Ferdi Schüth
- Department of Heterogeneous Catalysis Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1 45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr Germany
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Grohn H, Paudert R. Mechanochemische Reaktionen von Elementen der IV. Hauptgruppe mit einigen organischen Verbindungen. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/zfch.19630030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Interaction of molecular nitrogen with iron clusters. THEOR EXP CHEM+ 1976. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00525975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Effect of point defects of an iron catalyst on its activity during ammonia synthesis. THEOR EXP CHEM+ 1974. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00527157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Heinicke G. Chemische Beeinflussung mechanisch aktivierter Reaktionen. I. Der Einflu� von Inhibitoren auf die mechanisch angeregte Bildung von Nickelcarbonyl. Z Anorg Allg Chem 1963. [DOI: 10.1002/zaac.19633240308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Messung der �berg�nge elektrischer Ladungen bei der mechanischen Bearbeitung von Metallen. Z Anorg Allg Chem 1963. [DOI: 10.1002/zaac.19633230107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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