Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia: A Low Pressure, Low Temperature Approach

This article describes the importance of nitrogen-containing compounds and describes the key role played by ammonia in multiple domains. Following a brief description of the traditional method to synthesize ammonia, the article highlights a low temperature and low-pressure electrochemical route for...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Electrochemical Society interface 2015, Vol.24 (2), p.51-57
Main Authors: Renner, Julie N., Greenlee, Lauren F., Ayres, Katherine E., Herring, Andrew M.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:This article describes the importance of nitrogen-containing compounds and describes the key role played by ammonia in multiple domains. Following a brief description of the traditional method to synthesize ammonia, the article highlights a low temperature and low-pressure electrochemical route for the manufacture of ammonia. The article posits that a successful electrolytic ammonia process would enable a new nitrogen fertilizer industry based on networks of distributed-scale, near-point-of-use production plants. A concept for an alkaline anion exchange membrane based device for electrolytic ammonia production is described. The challenges associated with engendering selective electrocatalysis for the half-cell reactions are discussed. Finally, a summary of the experimental progress made to date is presented and the future outlook for the electrolytic production of ammonia is discussed.
ISSN:1064-8208
1944-8783
DOI:10.1149/2.F04152if