Electrocatalytic activity of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4-Ce0.8Gd0.18Ca0.02O2-δ composite cathode for ammonia synthesis from water and nitrogen

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the electrocatalytic activity of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4-Ce0.8Gd0.18Ca0.02O2-δ composite (CFMo-CGDC) for the direct synthesis of ammonia from H2O and N2 under atmospheric pressure.DesignsCoFe1.9Mo0.1O4 nanoparticles (CFMo NPs) were synthesized via a sol-gel method. CFMo NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) specific surface area measurement and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Double-chamber reactor was used to synthesize ammonia using H2O and N2 as precursors. The factors affecting the ammonia formation rate (applied voltage and temperature) were studied.FindingsCoFe1.9Mo0.1O4 nanoparticles (CFMo NPs) were synthesized via a sol-gel method. CFMo NPs were characterized using XRD, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) specific surface area measurement and SEM. Double-chamber reactor was used to synthesize ammonia using H2O and N2 as precursors. The factors affecting the ammonia formation rate (applied voltage and temperature) were studied.Originality/valueThe usage of CFMo-CGDC composite as an electrocatalyst for the synthesis of ammonia directly from H2O and N2.