Ammonia from dinitrogen at ambient conditions by organometallic catalysts

Abstract

Fixation of atmospheric dinitrogen in plants by [Mo–Fe] cofactor of nitrogenase enzyme takes place efficiently under atmospheric pressure and normal temperature. In search for an alternative methodology for the highly energy intensive Haber–Bosch process, design and synthesis of highly efficient inorganic and organometallic complexes by mimicking the structure and function of [Mo–Fe] cofactor system is highly desirable for ammonia synthesis from dinitrogen. An ideal catalyst for ammonia synthesis should effectively catalyse the reduction of dinitrogen in the presence of a proton source under mild to moderate conditions, and thereby, significantly reducing the cost of ammonia production and increasing the energy efficacy of the process. In the light of current research, it is evident that there is a plenty of scope for the development and enhanced performance of the inorganic and organometallic catalysts for ammonia synthesis under ambient temperature and pressure. The review furnishes a comprehensive outlook of numerous organometallic catalysts used in the synthesis of ammonia from dinitrogen in the past few decades.