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Li WQ, Xu M, Chen JS, Ye TN. Enabling Sustainable Ammonia Synthesis: From Nitrogen Activation Strategies to Emerging Materials. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2408434. [PMID: 39194397 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202408434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is one of the most important precursors of various chemicals and fertilizers. Given that ammonia synthesis via the traditional Haber-Bosch process requires high temperatures and pressures, it is critical to explore effective strategies and catalysts for ammonia synthesis under mild reaction conditions. Although electrocatalysis and photocatalysis can convert N2 to NH3 under mild conditions, their efficiencies and production scales are still far from the requirements for industrialization. Thermal catalysis has been proven to be the most direct and effective approach for ammonia synthesis. Over the past few decades, significant efforts have been made to develop novel catalysts capable of nitrogen fixation and ammonia generation via thermal catalytic processes. In parallel with catalyst exploration, new strategies such as self-electron donation, hydride fixation, hydridic hydrogen reduction, and anionic vacancy promotion have also been explored to moderate the operating conditions and improve the catalytic efficiency of ammonia synthesis. In this review, the emergence of new materials and strategies for promoting N2 activation and NH3 formation during thermal catalysis is briefly summarized. Moreover, challenges and prospects are proposed for the future development of thermal catalytic ammonia synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qian Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Miao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Power-sources Technology, Shanghai Institute of Space Power-Sources, Shanghai, 200245, China
| | - Jie-Sheng Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tian-Nan Ye
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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2
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Zhang C, Wang ZH, Wang H, Liang JX, Zhu C, Li J. Ru 3@Mo 2CO 2 MXene single-cluster catalyst for highly efficient N 2-to-NH 3 conversion. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae251. [PMID: 39257434 PMCID: PMC11385201 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae251] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cluster catalysts (SCCs) representing structurally well-defined metal clusters anchored on support tend to exhibit tunable catalytic performance for complex redox reactions in heterogeneous catalysis. Here we report a theoretical study on an SCC of Ru3@Mo2CO2 MXene for N2-to-NH3 thermal conversion. Our results show that Ru3@Mo2CO2 can effectively activate N2 and promotes its conversion to NH3 through an association mechanism, in which the rate-determining step of NH2* + H* → NH3* has a low energy barrier of 1.29 eV. Notably, with the assistance of Mo2CO2 support, the positively charged Ru3 cluster active site can effectively adsorb and activate N2, leading to 0.74 |e| charge transfer from Ru3@Mo2CO2 to the adsorbed N2. The supported Ru3 also acts as an electron reservoir to regulate the charge transfer for various intermediate steps of ammonia synthesis. Microkinetic analysis shows that the turnover frequency of the N2-to-NH3 conversion on Ru3@Mo2CO2 is as high as 1.45 × 10-2 s-1 site-1 at a selected thermodynamic condition of 48 bar and 700 K, the performance of which even surpasses that of the Ru B5 site and Fe3/θ-Al2O3(010) reported before. Our work provides a theoretical understanding of the high stability and catalytic mechanism of Ru3@Mo2CO2 and guidance for further designing and fabricating MXene-based metal SCCs for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ze-Hui Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Environment Science, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723000, China
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jin-Xia Liang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chun Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Fundamental Science Center of Rare Earths, Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou 341000, China
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3
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Jin D, Chen A, Lin BL. What Metals Should Be Used to Mediate Electrosynthesis of Ammonia from Nitrogen and Hydrogen from a Thermodynamic Standpoint? J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12320-12323. [PMID: 38597430 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Recently, metal-mediated electrochemical conversion of nitrogen and hydrogen to ammonia (M-eNRRs) has been attracting intense research attention as a potential route for ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. However, which metals should be used to mediate M-eNRRs remains unanswered. This work provides an extensive comparison of the energy consumption in the classical Haber Bosch (H-B) process and the M-eNRRs. The results indicate that when employing lithium and calcium, metals popularly used to mediate the M-eNRRs, the energy consumption is more than 10 times greater than that of the H-B process even assuming a 100% Faradaic efficiency and zero overpotentials. Only electrosynthesis with a cell voltage not exceeding 0.38 V might have the potential to rival the H-B process from an energetic perspective. A further analysis of other metals in the periodic table reveals that only some heavy metals, including In, Tl, Co, Ni, Ga, Mo, Sn, Pb, Fe, W, Ge, Re, Bi, Cu, Po, Tc, Ru, Rh, Ag, Hg, Pd, Ir, Pt, and Au, can potentially consume less energy than that of the H-B process purely from a thermodynamic standpoint, but whether they can activate N2 under ambient conditions is yet to be explored. This work shows the importance of performing thermodynamic analysis for the development of an innovative strategy to synthesize ammonia with the ultimate goal of replacing the H-B process on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongling Jin
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- School of Information Science and Technology (SIST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Anqi Chen
- CarbonXtech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 200041, China
| | - Bo-Lin Lin
- School of Physical Science and Technology (SPST), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
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4
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Fu E, Gong F, Wang S, Xiao R. Chemical Looping Technology in Mild-Condition Ammonia Production: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305095. [PMID: 37653614 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia is an efficient and clean hydrogen carrier that promises to tackle the increasing energy and environmental problems. However, more than 90% of ammonia is produced by the Haber-Bosch process, and its enormous energy consumption and CO2 emissions require the development of novel alternatives. Chemical looping technology can decouple the one-step ammonia synthesis reaction into separated nitridation and hydrogenation processes at atmospheric pressure, thereby achieving the mild ammonia synthesis based on renewable energy. The strategy of stepwise reactions circumvents the problem of competing adsorption of N2 and H2 /H2 O at the active sites and provides additive freedom for optimal regulation of sub-reactions. This review introduces the concept and mechanism of chemical looping ammonia production (CLAP), and comprehensively summarizes the state-of-art research from the perspective of reaction pathways and nitrogen carriers. The challenges faced by CLAP and strategies to address them in terms of nitrogen carriers, methods, equipment, and technological processes are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Feng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Sijun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
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Su K, Huang D, Fang H, Zhou Y, Qi H, Ni J, Zheng L, Lin J, Wang X, Jiang L. Boosting N 2 Conversion into NH 3 over Ru Catalysts via Modulating the Ru-Promoter Interface. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 38015642 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Promoters are indispensable components of Ru-based catalysts to promote N2 activation in ammonia (NH3) synthesis. The rational addition and regulation of promoters play a critical role in affecting the NH3 synthesis rate. In this work, we report a simple method by altering the loading sequence of Ba and Ru species to modulate the Ru-promoter interface, thus significantly boosting the NH3 synthesis rate. The Ba-Ru/GC BM catalyst via the prior loading of Ba rather than Ru over graphitic carbon (GC) exhibits a high NH3 synthesis rate of 18.7 mmol gcat-1 h-1 at 400 °C and 1 MPa, which is 2.5 times that of the Ru-Ba/GC BM catalyst via the conventional prior loading of Ru rather than Ba on GC. Our studies reveal that the prior loading of Ba benefits the high dispersion of the basic Ba promoter over an electron-withdrawing GC support, and then Ba species serve as structural promoters to stabilize Ru with small particle sizes, which exposes more active sites for N2 activation. Additionally, the intimate Ba and Ru interface enables facile electron donation from Ba to Ru sites, thus accelerating N2 dissociation to realize efficient NH3 synthesis. This work provides a simple approach to modulating the Ru-promoter interface and maximizing promoter utilization to enhance NH3 synthesis performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Su
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Dongya Huang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Hongpeng Fang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Yanliang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Haifeng Qi
- Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V., Rostock 18059, Germany
| | - Jun Ni
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China
| | - Jianxin Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Xiuyun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Lilong Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
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6
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Miyazaki M, Ikejima K, Ogasawara K, Kitano M, Hosono H. Ammonia Synthesis over Fe-Supported Catalysts Mediated by Face-Sharing Nitrogen Sites in BaTiO 3-x N y Oxynitride. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202300551. [PMID: 37243513 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Nitride and hydride materials have been proposed as active supports for the loading of transition metal catalysts in thermal catalytic ammonia synthesis. However, the contribution of nitrogen or hydride anions in the support to the catalytic activity for supported transition-metal catalysts is not well understood, especially for Fe-based catalysts. Here, we report that hexagonal-BaTiO3-x Ny with nitrogen vacancies at face-sharing sites acts as a more efficient support for Fe catalysts for ammonia synthesis than BaTiO3 or BaTiO3-x Hx at 260 °C to 400 °C. Isotopic experiments, in situ measurements, and a small inverse isotopic effect in ammonia synthesis have revealed that nitrogen molecules are activated at nitrogen vacancies formed at the interface between Fe nanoparticles and the support. Nitrogen vacancies on BaTiO3-x Ny can promote the activity of Fe and Ni catalysts, while electron donation and suppression of hydrogen poisoning by BaTiO3-x Hx are significant in the Ru and Co systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Miyazaki
- MDX Research Center for Element Strategy, International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ikejima
- MDX Research Center for Element Strategy, International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Kiya Ogasawara
- MDX Research Center for Element Strategy, International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kitano
- MDX Research Center for Element Strategy, International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Hideo Hosono
- MDX Research Center for Element Strategy, International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
- Wpi-MANA, National Institute for Materials Science Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
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7
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Li H, Gong Y, Yang H, Yang X, Li K, Wang J, Hosono H. Ammonia Synthesis on Ternary LaSi-based Electrides: Tuning the Catalytic Mechanism by the Third Metal. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202301016. [PMID: 37584595 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Intermetallic electrides have recently drawn considerable attention due to their unique electronic structure and high catalytic performance for the activation of inert chemical bonds under mild conditions. However, the relationship between electride (anionic) electron abundance and catalytic performance is undefined; the key deciding factor for the performance of intermetallic electride catalysts remains to be addressed. Here, the secret behind electride catalysts La-TM-Si (TM=Co, Fe and Mn) with the same crystal structure but different anionic electrons was studied. Unexpectedly, LaCoSi with the least anionic electrons showed the best catalytic activity. The experiments and first-principles calculations showed that the electride anions promote the N2 dissociation which alters the rate-determining step (RDS) for ammonia synthesis on the studied electrides. Different reaction mechanisms were found for La-TM-Si (TM=Fe, Co) and LaMnSi. A dual-site module was revealed for LaCoSi and LaFeSi, in which transition metals were available for the N2 dissociation and La accelerates the NHx formation, respectively, breaking the Sabatier scaling relation. For LaMnSi, which is the most efficient for the N2 activation, the activity for ammonia synthesis is limited and confined by the scaling relations. The findings provide new insight into the working mechanism of intermetallic electrides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Yutong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Hongliang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Ke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Junjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Hideo Hosono
- MDX Research Center for Element Strategy, International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
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8
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Arroyo-Caire J, Diaz-Perez MA, Lara-Angulo MA, Serrano-Ruiz JC. A Conceptual Approach for the Design of New Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis: A Metal-Support Interactions Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2914. [PMID: 37999267 PMCID: PMC10674330 DOI: 10.3390/nano13222914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The growing interest in green ammonia production has spurred the development of new catalysts with the potential to carry out the Haber-Bosch process under mild pressure and temperature conditions. While there is a wide experimental background on new catalysts involving transition metals, supports and additives, the fundamentals behind ammonia synthesis performance on these catalysts remained partially unsolved. Here, we review the most important works developed to date and analyze the traditional catalysts for ammonia synthesis, as well as the influence of the electron transfer properties of the so-called 3rd-generation catalysts. Finally, the importance of metal-support interactions is highlighted as an effective pathway for the design of new materials with potential to carry out ammonia synthesis at low temperatures and pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Juan Carlos Serrano-Ruiz
- Materials and Sustainability Group, Department of Engineering, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de las Universidades s/n, Dos Hermanas, 41704 Seville, Spain; (J.A.-C.); (M.A.D.-P.); (M.A.L.-A.)
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9
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Li Z, Lu Y, Li J, Xu M, Qi Y, Park SW, Kitano M, Hosono H, Chen JS, Ye TN. Multiple reaction pathway on alkaline earth imide supported catalysts for efficient ammonia synthesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6373. [PMID: 37821432 PMCID: PMC10567757 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tunability of reaction pathways is required for exploring efficient and low cost catalysts for ammonia synthesis. There is an obstacle by the limitations arising from scaling relation for this purpose. Here, we demonstrate that the alkali earth imides (AeNH) combined with transition metal (TM = Fe, Co and Ni) catalysts can overcome this difficulty by utilizing functionalities arising from concerted role of active defects on the support surface and loaded transition metals. These catalysts enable ammonia production through multiple reaction pathways. The reaction rate of Co/SrNH is as high as 1686.7 mmol·gCo-1·h-1 and the TOFs reaches above 500 h-1 at 400 °C and 0.9 MPa, outperforming other reported Co-based catalysts as well as the benchmark Cs-Ru/MgO catalyst and industrial wüstite-based Fe catalyst under the same reaction conditions. Experimental and theoretical results show that the synergistic effect of nitrogen affinity of 3d TMs and in-situ formed NH2- vacancy of alkali earth imides regulate the reaction pathways of the ammonia production, resulting in distinct catalytic performance different from 3d TMs. It was thus demonstrated that the appropriate combination of metal and support is essential for controlling the reaction pathway and realizing highly active and low cost catalysts for ammonia synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichuang Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yangfan Lu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Magnesium Alloys, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Miao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Power Sources, Shanghai Institute of Space Power-Sources, Shanghai, 200245, China
| | - Yanpeng Qi
- School of Physical Science and Technology Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- ShanghaiTech Laboratory for Topological Physics, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of High-resolution Electron Microscopy, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Sang-Won Park
- Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kitano
- Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan.
| | - Hideo Hosono
- Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8503, Japan.
| | - Jie-Sheng Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tian-Nan Ye
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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10
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Daisley A, Hargreaves J. Metal nitrides, the Mars-van Krevelen mechanism and heterogeneously catalysed ammonia synthesis. Catal Today 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Miyahara SI, Sato K, Tsujimaru K, Wada Y, Ogura Y, Toriyama T, Yamamoto T, Matsumura S, Inazu K, Nagaoka K. Co Nanoparticle Catalysts Encapsulated by BaO-La 2O 3 Nanofractions for Efficient Ammonia Synthesis Under Mild Reaction Conditions. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:24452-24460. [PMID: 35874216 PMCID: PMC9301956 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ruthenium catalysts may allow for realization of renewable energy-based ammonia synthesis processes using mild reaction conditions (<400 °C, <10 MPa). However, ruthenium is relatively rare and therefore expensive. Here, we report a Co nanoparticle catalyst loaded on a basic Ba/La2O3 support and prereduced at 700 °C (Co/Ba/La2O3_700red) that showed higher ammonia synthesis activity at 350 °C and 1.0-3.0 MPa than two benchmark Ru catalysts, Cs+/Ru/MgO and Ru/CeO2. The synthesis rate of the catalyst at 350 °C and 1.0 MPa (19.3 mmol h-1 g-1) was 8.0 times that of Co/Ba/La2O3_500red and 6.9 times that of Co/La2O3_700red. The catalyst showed ammonia synthesis activity at temperatures down to 200 °C. Reduction at the high temperature induced the formation of BaO-La2O3 nanofractions around the Co nanoparticles by decomposition of BaCO3, which increased turnover frequency, inhibited the sintering of Co nanoparticles, and suppressed ammonia poisoning. These strategies may also be applicable to other non-noble metal catalysts, such as nickel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-ichiro Miyahara
- Department
of Chemical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Sato
- Department
of Chemical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Kotoko Tsujimaru
- Department
of Integrated Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Oita University, 700 Dannoharu, Oita 870−1192, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Wada
- Department
of Integrated Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Oita University, 700 Dannoharu, Oita 870−1192, Japan
| | - Yuta Ogura
- Department
of Chemical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Takaaki Toriyama
- The
Ultramicroscopy Research Center, Kyushu
University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Yamamoto
- Department
of Applied Quantum Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Kyushu University, Motooka
744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Syo Matsumura
- The
Ultramicroscopy Research Center, Kyushu
University, Motooka 744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Department
of Applied Quantum Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Kyushu University, Motooka
744, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Koji Inazu
- National
Institute of Technology, Numazu College, 3600 Ooka, Numazu, Shizuoka 410-8501, Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Nagaoka
- Department
of Chemical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
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12
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Zhou Y, Peng X, Zhang T, Cai H, Lin B, Zheng L, Wang X, Jiang L. Essential Role of Ru–Anion Interaction in Ru-Based Ammonia Synthesis Catalysts. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c01486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanliang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
| | - Xuanbei Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
| | - Tianhua Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
| | - Hongfang Cai
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
| | - Bingyu Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
| | - Lilong Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
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13
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Gong Y, Li H, Wu J, Song X, Yang X, Bao X, Han X, Kitano M, Wang J, Hosono H. Unique Catalytic Mechanism for Ru-Loaded Ternary Intermetallic Electrides for Ammonia Synthesis. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:8683-8692. [PMID: 35507518 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c01899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Intermetallic electrides have recently shown their priority as catalyst components in ammonia synthesis and CO2 activation. However, their function mechanism has been elusive since its inception, which hinders the further development of such catalysts. In this work, ternary intermetallic electrides La-TM-Si (TM = Co, Fe, and Mn) were synthesized as hosts of ruthenium (Ru) particles for ammonia synthesis catalysis. Although they have the same crystal structure and possess low work functions commonly, the promotion effects on Ru particles rather differ from each other. The catalytic activity follows the sequence of Ru/LaCoSi > Ru/LaFeSi > Ru/LaMnSi. Furthermore, Ru/LaCoSi exhibits much better catalytic durability than the other two. A combination of experiments and first-principles calculations shows that apparent N2 activation energy on each catalyst is much lower than that over conventional Ru-based catalysts, which suggests that N2 dissociation can be conspicuously promoted by the concerted actions of the specific electronic structure and atomic configuration of intermetallic electride-supported catalysts. The NHx formations proceeded on La are energetically favored, which makes it possible to bypass the scaling relations based on only Ru as the active site. The rate-determining step of Ru/La-TM-Si was identified to be NH2 formation. The transition metal (TM) in La-TM-Si electrides has a significant influence on the metal-support interaction of Ru and La-TM-Si. These findings provide a guide for the development of new and effective catalyst hosts for ammonia synthesis and other hydrogenation reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiazhen Wu
- Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Xingyi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Masaaki Kitano
- Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Junjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Hideo Hosono
- Materials Research Center for Element Strategy, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
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14
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Cao A, Bukas VJ, Shadravan V, Wang Z, Li H, Kibsgaard J, Chorkendorff I, Nørskov JK. A spin promotion effect in catalytic ammonia synthesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2382. [PMID: 35501341 PMCID: PMC9061734 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30034-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for efficient ammonia synthesis is as urgent as ever. Over the past two decades, many attempts to find new catalysts for ammonia synthesis at mild conditions have been reported and, in particular, many new promoters of the catalytic rate have been introduced beyond the traditional K and Cs oxides. Herein, we provide an overview of recent experimental results for non-traditional promoters and develop a comprehensive model to explain how they work. The model has two components. First, we establish what is the most likely structure of the active sites in the presence of the different promoters. We then show that there are two effects dictating the catalytic activity. One is an electrostatic interaction between the adsorbed promoter and the N-N dissociation transition state. In addition, we identify a new promoter effect for magnetic catalysts giving rise to an anomalously large lowering of the activation energy opening the possibility of finding new ammonia synthesis catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Cao
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Vanessa J Bukas
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Vahid Shadravan
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Zhenbin Wang
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jakob Kibsgaard
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ib Chorkendorff
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Jens K Nørskov
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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15
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Fang H, Liu D, Luo Y, Zhou Y, Liang S, Wang X, Lin B, Jiang L. Challenges and Opportunities of Ru-Based Catalysts toward the Synthesis and Utilization of Ammonia. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huihuang Fang
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
| | - Dan Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
| | - Yu Luo
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
| | - Yanliang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
| | - Shijing Liang
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
| | - Xiuyun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
| | - Bingyu Lin
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
| | - Lilong Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center for Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC−CFC), School of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou, Fujian 362801, P.R. China
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16
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Zhou Y, Xu CQ, Tan Z, Cai H, Wang X, Li J, Zheng L, Au CT, Li J, Jiang L. Integrating Dissociative and Associative Routes for Efficient Ammonia Synthesis over a TiCN-Promoted Ru-Based Catalyst. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c05613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanliang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
| | - Cong-Qiao Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zhenni Tan
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
| | - Hongfang Cai
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
| | - Xiuyun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
| | - Jialiang Li
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Chak-tong Au
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Lilong Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fujian 350002, P. R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Fujian 362100, P. R. China
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17
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Ravi M, Makepeace JW. Facilitating green ammonia manufacture under milder conditions: what do heterogeneous catalyst formulations have to offer? Chem Sci 2022; 13:890-908. [PMID: 35211256 PMCID: PMC8790769 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc04734e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ammonia production is one of the largest industrial processes, and is currently responsible for over 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising this process, yielding 'green ammonia', is critical not only for sustainable fertilizer production, but also to unlocking ammonia's potential as a zero-carbon fuel and hydrogen store. In this perspective, we critically assess the role of cutting-edge heterogeneous catalysts to facilitate milder ammonia synthesis conditions that will help unlock cheaper, smaller-scale, renewables-coupled ammonia production. The highly-optimised performance of catalysts under the high temperatures and pressures of the Haber-Bosch process stands in contrast to the largely mediocre activity levels reported at lower temperatures and pressures. We identify the recent advances in catalyst design that help overcome the sluggish kinetics of nitrogen activation under these conditions and undertake a categorized analysis of improved activity achieved in a range of heterogeneous catalysts. Building on these observations, we develop a 'catalyst efficiency' analysis which helps uncover the success of a holistic approach - one that addresses the issues of nitrogen activation, hydrogenation of adsorbed nitrogen species, and engineering of materials to maximize the utilization of active sites - for achieving the elusive combination of high-activity, low-temperature formulations. Furthermore, we present a discussion on the industrial considerations to catalyst development, emphasising the importance of catalyst lifetime in addition to catalyst activity. This assessment is critical to ensuring that high productivities can translate into real advances in commercial ammonia synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Ravi
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
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18
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Luo Y, Liang S, Wang X, Lin B, Chen C, Jiang L. Facile synthesis and high‐value utilization of ammonia. CHINESE J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202100826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Luo
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University Fuzhou Fujian 350002 P.R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory Quanzhou Fujian 362801 P.R. China
| | - Shijing Liang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University Fuzhou Fujian 350002 P.R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory Quanzhou Fujian 362801 P.R. China
| | - Xiuyun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University Fuzhou Fujian 350002 P.R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory Quanzhou Fujian 362801 P.R. China
| | - Bingyu Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University Fuzhou Fujian 350002 P.R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory Quanzhou Fujian 362801 P.R. China
| | - Chongqi Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University Fuzhou Fujian 350002 P.R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory Quanzhou Fujian 362801 P.R. China
| | - Lilong Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University Fuzhou Fujian 350002 P.R. China
- Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory Quanzhou Fujian 362801 P.R. China
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19
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Zhou Y, Sai Q, Tan Z, Wang C, Wang X, Lin B, Ni J, Lin J, Jiang L. Highly efficient subnanometer Ru-based catalyst for ammonia synthesis via an associative mechanism. Chin J Chem Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Li L, Zhang T, Zhou Y, Wang X, Au CT, Jiang L. Review on catalytic roles of rare earth elements in ammonia synthesis: Development and perspective. J RARE EARTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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21
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Unraveling the size-dependent effect of Ru-based catalysts on Ammonia synthesis at mild conditions. J Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2021.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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22
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Guo J, Chen P. Interplay of Alkali, Transition Metals, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen in Ammonia Synthesis and Decomposition Reactions. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:2434-2444. [PMID: 33913703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusThe fixation of dinitrogen to ammonia is critically important for the biogeochemical cycle on earth. Ammonia also holds promise as a sustainable energy carrier. Tremendous effort has been devoted to the development of green processes and advanced materials for ammonia synthesis and decomposition under milder conditions, and encouraging progress has been made.The reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia needs electrons and protons, which hydridic hydrogen H- could supply. Polarized, electron-rich NxHy intermediates, on the other hand, can be stabilized by alkali or alkaline earth metal cations to lower kinetic barriers in the transformation. The inherent properties of alkali/alkaline earth metal hydrides (denoted as AH) endow them with a unique function in ammonia synthesis.In this Account, recent efforts in the exploration of alkali or alkaline earth metal hydrides (denoted as AH), amides, and imides (denoted as ANH hereafter) for ammonia synthesis and decomposition reactions will be summarized and discussed. We begin with an introduction to the chemistry of A with N2, NH3, and H2, highlighting the interconversion between AH and ANH that has profound implications on the formation and decomposition of NH3. We then present our finding on the strong synergistic effect between ANH and transition metals (TM) in ammonia decomposition catalysis, which stimulated our subsequent research on AH for ammonia synthesis. We discuss the effect and function mechanism of AH in the thermocatalytic and chemical looping ammonia synthesis processes. In the thermocatalytic process, AH cooperates with both early and late TM forming either composite catalysts with two active centers or complex metal hydride catalysts with electron- and hydrogen-rich ionic centers facilitating ammonia synthesis with high activities at lower temperatures. Very interestingly, AH levels the catalytic performances of TMs and intervenes in the energy-scaling relations of TM-only catalysts. Moreover, ANH serves as a new type nitrogen carrier effectively mediating ammonia synthesis via a low-temperature chemical looping process, in which N2 is fixed by AH forming ANH. Subsequently, ANH is hydrogenated to ammonia and AH. Late TMs have a strong catalytic effect on the chemical looping process. The unique interplay of A, N, TM, and H- offers plenty of opportunities for achieving dinitrogen conversion under mild conditions, while further efforts are needed to address the challenges in the fundamental understanding and practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Guo
- Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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23
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Huang J, Zhao Y, Yuan M, Li J, You Z. Improved ammonia synthesis activity of Ce doped barium tantalate supported Ru catalysts. Catal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cy01902j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ce doping could increase the specific surface area and reducibility of the barium tantalate carrier, which is beneficial to Ru based ammonia synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Huang
- School of Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430079
- P. R. China
- International Cooperation Base for Sustainable Utilization of Resources and Energy in Hubei Province
| | - Yushi Zhao
- School of Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430079
- P. R. China
- International Cooperation Base for Sustainable Utilization of Resources and Energy in Hubei Province
| | - Mingwei Yuan
- School of Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430079
- P. R. China
- International Cooperation Base for Sustainable Utilization of Resources and Energy in Hubei Province
| | - Jinjun Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430079
- P. R. China
| | - Zhixiong You
- School of Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan 430079
- P. R. China
- International Cooperation Base for Sustainable Utilization of Resources and Energy in Hubei Province
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24
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Marakatti VS, Gaigneaux EM. Recent Advances in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Ammonia Synthesis. ChemCatChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202001141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vijaykumar S. Marakatti
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN) Molecular chemistry, Solids and caTalysis(MOST) Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) Louvain-la-Neuve BE-1348 Belgium
| | - Eric M. Gaigneaux
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN) Molecular chemistry, Solids and caTalysis(MOST) Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) Louvain-la-Neuve BE-1348 Belgium
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25
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Wang X, Li L, Fang Z, Zhang Y, Ni J, Lin B, Zheng L, Au CT, Jiang L. Atomically Dispersed Ru Catalyst for Low-Temperature Nitrogen Activation to Ammonia via an Associative Mechanism. ACS Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingling Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongpu Fang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongfan Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Ni
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingyu Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chak-tong Au
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lilong Jiang
- National Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China
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