In:
Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Vol. 372, No. 6547 ( 2021-06-11), p. 1149-1150
Abstract:
The Haber-Bosch process converts nitrogen (N 2 ) and hydrogen (H 2 ) into ammonia (NH 3 ) over iron-based catalysts. Today, 50% of global agriculture uses Haber-Bosch NH 3 in fertilizer. Efficient synthesis requires enormous energy to achieve extreme temperatures and pressures, and the H 2 is primarily derived from methane steam reforming. Hence, the Haber-Bosch process accounts for at least 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions ( 1 ). Electrochemical N 2 reduction to make NH 3 , powered by renewable electricity under ambient conditions, could provide a localized and greener alternative. On page 1187 of this issue, Suryanto et al. ( 2 ) report highly efficient and stable electrochemical N 2 reduction based on a recyclable proton donor. This study builds on earlier work showing that an electrolyte containing a lithium salt in an organic solvent with a sacrificial proton donor was unmatched in its ability to unequivocally reduce N 2 ( 3 , 4 ). In both studies, it is still unclear why lithium is so critical.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0036-8075
,
1095-9203
DOI:
10.1126/science.abi8329
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
128410-1
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2066996-3
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2060783-0
SSG:
11
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