Method, cell and electrolyte for dinitrogen conversion

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, and a cell for carrying out the method for the electrochemical reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. The method comprises the steps of: (1) contacting a cathodic working electrode comprising a nanostructured catalyst with an electrolyte comprising (a) one or more liquid salts optionally in combination with (b) one or more organic solvents having low viscosity and supporting high ionic conductivity, and (2) introducing dinitrogen and a source of hydrogen to the electrolyte, wherein the dinitrogen is reduced to ammonia at the cathodic working electrode.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a kind of dinitrogen (N 2 ) into an electrochemical device and method for ammonia. [0002] In one form, the invention relates to the cathodic reduction of dinitrogen. [0003] In a particular aspect, the invention is suitable for use in the industrial production of ammonia. Background technique [0004] It should be understood that any discussion of documents, means, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. In addition, the discussions throughout this specification are due to the knowledge of the inventors and / or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventors. Furthermore, any discussion of materials such as documents, devices, acts, or knowledge contained in this specification is intended to explain the context of the invention based on the inventor's knowledge and experience, and therefore, any such discussion should not be taken as an admiss...

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Problems solved by technology

However, these salts have rather high viscosities (400 mPa.s and 204 mPa.s at 298 K) and low electrical conductivity, which limit mass transport and lead to low current densities

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