Themed collection Sustainable nitrogen activation

34 items
Front/Back Matter

List of participants

From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Front/Back Matter

Poster list

From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Ionic conductivity and disorder in calcium and barium nitrogen hydrogen phases

The performance of the hydride ion conductor Ca2NH is negatively affected by the incorporation of secondary anion sites. BaH2 reacted with N2 at 650 °C producing barium imide which has good electronic properties up to a certain concentration.

Graphical abstract: Ionic conductivity and disorder in calcium and barium nitrogen hydrogen phases
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

A rotating ring disc electrode study of photo(electro)catalyst for nitrogen fixation

Here, we examine the use of rotating ring disk electrode voltammetry to detect ammonia produced by a nitrogen fixing photo(electro)catalyst. We show that the technique is capable of corroborating bulk measurements but cannot eliminate contamination.

Graphical abstract: A rotating ring disc electrode study of photo(electro)catalyst for nitrogen fixation
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Concluding remarks: Sustainable nitrogen activation – are we there yet?

In this paper we set out to provide an overview of different approaches to activation of dinitrogen and their commonalities.

Graphical abstract: Concluding remarks: Sustainable nitrogen activation – are we there yet?
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Spiers Memorial Lecture: Catalytic activation of molecular nitrogen for green ammonia synthesis: introduction and current status

This article briefly reviews catalytic activation of N2 for NH3 synthesis under mild conditions. Described are historical background and current demand, recent advances on new catalysts, and next challenges.

Graphical abstract: Spiers Memorial Lecture: Catalytic activation of molecular nitrogen for green ammonia synthesis: introduction and current status
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Advancing electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation: insights from molecular systems

A personal perspective summarizing recent progress in studies of electrocatalytic systems capable of mediating the nitrogen reduction reaction.

Graphical abstract: Advancing electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation: insights from molecular systems
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Hydrogen ionic conductors and ammonia conversions

Electrochemical and catalytic conversion to and from ammonia is strongly enhanced by appropriate choice of hydrogen conducting electrolyte or substrate. Such materials offer important routes for ammonia conversion and synthesis.

Graphical abstract: Hydrogen ionic conductors and ammonia conversions
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Electrochemical experiments define potentials associated with binding of substrates and inhibitors to nitrogenase MoFe protein

We associate potentials with the binding of substrates and inhibitors, H+, C2H2, CO and MeNC, to nitrogenase MoFe protein by coupling electrochemical control with gas chromatography analysis and in situ infrared spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical experiments define potentials associated with binding of substrates and inhibitors to nitrogenase MoFe protein
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Structural correlations of nitrogenase active sites using nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy and QM/MM calculations

57Fe NRVS and QM/MM are paired to identify key spectral components corresponding to the catalytic cofactors of the three nitrogenases.

Graphical abstract: Structural correlations of nitrogenase active sites using nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy and QM/MM calculations
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Recent advances in plasma-enabled ammonia synthesis: state-of-the-art, challenges, and outlook

Three sustainable plasma-enabled ammonia synthesis routes to zero carbon emissions for chemicals, fertilizers, and biomedical applications coupled with renewable energy.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in plasma-enabled ammonia synthesis: state-of-the-art, challenges, and outlook
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Designing mixed-metal electrocatalyst systems for photoelectrochemical dinitrogen activation

We fabricated nitrogen-free, mixed-metal electrocatalyst materials for dinitrogen activation using photoelectrodeposition. First studies indicate the light-assisted reduction of dinitrogen and subsequent protonation with these materials.

Graphical abstract: Designing mixed-metal electrocatalyst systems for photoelectrochemical dinitrogen activation
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Mechanistic understanding of N2 activation: a comparison of unsupported and supported Ru catalysts

Our density functional theory calculations reveals a N2 activation mechanism that explains the different dissociation barriers of N2 on models of unsupported Ru(0001) terraces, Ru B5 sites, and polar MgO(111)-supported Ru B5 homologues.

Graphical abstract: Mechanistic understanding of N2 activation: a comparison of unsupported and supported Ru catalysts
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Switching on/off molybdenum nitride catalytic activity in ammonia synthesis through modulating metal–support interaction

An elegant approach to finely tune the structural, physico-chemical, redox and electronic properties of the active site by modulating the interaction between Mo nanoparticles and their support.

Graphical abstract: Switching on/off molybdenum nitride catalytic activity in ammonia synthesis through modulating metal–support interaction
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

A conformational equilibrium in the nitrogenase MoFe protein with an α-V70I amino acid substitution illuminates the mechanism of H2 formation

The reactivity of Fe-hydrides at the nitrogenase active-site cofactor is revealed by studies of the α-V70I substituted protein.

Graphical abstract: A conformational equilibrium in the nitrogenase MoFe protein with an α-V70I amino acid substitution illuminates the mechanism of H2 formation
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Metal-loaded zeolites in ammonia decomposition catalysis

This study focuses on characterising and optimising novel zeolite-supported Ru catalysts for ammonia decomposition, with a focus on the effects of N-substitution on catalyst structure and activity.

Graphical abstract: Metal-loaded zeolites in ammonia decomposition catalysis
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction over gallium – a computational and experimental study

This work explores the electrocatalytic activity of Ga which was identified earlier as one of the “overlooked” metals for catalyzing the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR).

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction over gallium – a computational and experimental study
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

In search of the bottlenecks of ammonia synthesis over Ru/Vulcan under ambient conditions

Interactions between atomic hydrogen and dinitrogen are facile under ambient conditions. N–NH3 is the best candidate estimated by DFT corroborating the experimental IR shift. Desorption of NH3 limits the rates under subcritical conditions.

Graphical abstract: In search of the bottlenecks of ammonia synthesis over Ru/Vulcan under ambient conditions
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Structural evolution of TiN catalysts during mechanocatalytic ammonia synthesis

During milling in N2 and H2, Ti metal is converted into TiN. Once formed, TiN acts as a mechanocatalyst for ammonia formation. The evolution of the structure and reactivity of the TiN catalyst with milling time are discussed.

Graphical abstract: Structural evolution of TiN catalysts during mechanocatalytic ammonia synthesis
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Catalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia using molybdenum porphyrin complexes

N2 reduction to ammonia is catalyzed by molybdenum complexes of a bulky porphyrin, and the thermodynamics of the first PCET step are evaluated.

Graphical abstract: Catalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia using molybdenum porphyrin complexes
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

N2 solar activation: ammonia as a hydrogen vector for energy storage

In this work, various types of layered double hydroxides were evaluated as novel catalysts for photo-assisted dinitrogen fixation.

Graphical abstract: N2 solar activation: ammonia as a hydrogen vector for energy storage
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Why copper catalyzes electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia

The activity volcano plot depicts trends in activity among various transition metals and explains why copper is more active for the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) to ammonia. Several strategies are proposed to further improve copper activity.

Graphical abstract: Why copper catalyzes electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Sustainable ammonia synthesis through electrochemical dinitrogen activation using an Ag2VO2PO4 catalyst

An Ag2VO2PO4 catalyst synthesized via sonochemical route exhibits a nano rice-grain like morphology and presents electrochemical N2 activation at −0.2 V with a high NH3 yield rate of 1.48 mg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a F.E. of 37.46% in alkaline solution.

Graphical abstract: Sustainable ammonia synthesis through electrochemical dinitrogen activation using an Ag2VO2PO4 catalyst
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

The formation of a lithium–iridium complex hydride toward ammonia synthesis

Ir, generally considered inactive for nitrogen fixation, can catalyze ammonia formation at much enhanced reaction rates by compositing with LiH.

Graphical abstract: The formation of a lithium–iridium complex hydride toward ammonia synthesis
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Paper

Barium hydride activates Ni for ammonia synthesis catalysis

Barium hydride activates Ni for ammonia synthesis catalysis showing an activity that is comparable to that of the Cs promoted MgO supported Ru catalyst.

Graphical abstract: Barium hydride activates Ni for ammonia synthesis catalysis
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

The origin of overpotential in lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction

We present a simple method for determining the reversible hydrogen electrode potential in a lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction system, and use this to highlight that the greatest source of cathodic potential loss is the requirement for in situ lithium plating.

Graphical abstract: The origin of overpotential in lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Low temperature ammonia synthesis by surface protonics over metal supported catalysts

Low-temperature ammonia synthesis by applying an electric field to a solid heterogeneous catalyst was investigated to realize an on-demand, on-site catalytic process for converting distributed renewable energy into ammonia.

Graphical abstract: Low temperature ammonia synthesis by surface protonics over metal supported catalysts
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Experimental and theoretical investigations on the anti-perovskite nitrides Co3CuN, Ni3CuN and Co3MoN for ammonia synthesis

Potential of the anti-perovskite nitrides as reagents for the production of ammonia through chemical looping.

Graphical abstract: Experimental and theoretical investigations on the anti-perovskite nitrides Co3CuN, Ni3CuN and Co3MoN for ammonia synthesis
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Open Access Paper

Mechanism of ammonia synthesis on Fe3Mo3N

The novel Eley–Rideal–Mars–van-Krevelen mechanism for ammonia synthesis on Fe3Mo3N relies on the presence of surface lattice N vacancies and proceeds through the Image ID:d2fd00148a-t1.gif intermediate.

Graphical abstract: Mechanism of ammonia synthesis on Fe3Mo3N
From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Discussion

Electrocatalytic and photocatalytic routes to N2 activation: general discussion

From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Discussion

Alternative routes to NH3 and its application: general discussion

From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Discussion

Heterogeneous catalytic and chemical looping routes to N2 activation: general discussion

From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Discussion

Enzymatic N2 activation: general discussion

From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
Discussion

Homogeneous N2 activation: general discussion

From the themed collection: Sustainable nitrogen activation
34 items

About this collection

We are delighted to share with you a selection of the papers associated with a Faraday Discussion on Sustainable nitrogen activation. More information about the related event may be found here: http://rsc.li/nitrogen-fd2023. Additional articles will be added to the collection as they are published. The final versions of all the articles presented and a record of the discussions will be published after the event.

This Discussion will focus on the development of more sustainable routes to ammonia production. Industrial scale ammonia synthesis, as accomplished by the Haber Bosch Process, was a landmark achievement of the 20th Century. However, as currently practiced, including feedstock generation, the process accounts for 1-2% of global energy demand and contributes significant fossil fuel-based CO2 emissions. Accordingly, there is much interest in the development of more sustainable ammonia synthesis routes.

 Contributions will cover Heterogeneous catalytic and chemical looping routes to N2 activation, Electrocatalytic and photocatalytic routes to N2 activation, Enzymatic N2 activation and Homogeneous N2 activation. On behalf of the Scientific Committee, we hope you join us and participate in this exciting event, and that you enjoy these articles and the record of the discussion.

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