Strongly Coupled Metal/Oxide Heterointerface for Efficient Ammonia Electrosynthesis at Mild Condition

Abstract

Ammonia is one of the most highly produced inorganic chemicals, but its synthesis is challenging and is heavily dependent on the use of nonrenewable petroleum resources. The artificial nitrogen fixation in industry, i.e., the Haber–Bosch process, consumes 1~2% of the world's energy supply while releases 3% of the world's carbon emissions. Therefore, researchers have been searching for alternative methods to sustainably synthesize ammonia in an environmentally begin way. The electrochemical synthesis of ammonia using renewable energy under mild conditions is promising but challenging. An efficient electrochemical ammonia synthesis process requires active catalysts, as well as suitable electrode and cell design. In this presentation, we report our research achievements on the development of strongly coupled metal/oxide heterointerface as well as its integration into a protonic ceramic electrolyzer for ammonia production. The outcome of this research has the potential to contribute to establishing a globally competitive U.S. industry and is well aligned with the U.S. DOE’s goals of growing the energy economy, improving energy efficiency, and innovating clean energy sources.