Lanthanoid Oxyhydride-Supported Catalyst for Low-Temperature Ammonia Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ammonia synthesis catalysts, such as those used in the Haber-Bosch method, face inefficiencies due to the slow reactivity of nitrogen molecules, requiring high temperatures and pressures, and lack effective catalysts that can efficiently break nitrogen's triple bond at lower temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A lanthanoid oxyhydride material with high electron or hydride ion intake/release properties is used to support transition metals like Ru, enhancing ammonia synthesis activity by promoting nitrogen dissociation and hydrogen interaction, thereby improving catalytic performance at lower pressures and temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional iron oxide catalyst is used in Haber-Bosch method, then ammonia synthesis can be achieved, but the reaction rate is insufficient at low temperatures of 400°C or less
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite catalyst system comprising a transition metal (Ru, Fe, Co, Ni, or Cu) supported on a lanthanoid oxyhydride. This composite structure combines the catalytic activity of transition metals with the electron-donating and hydride-ion releasing properties of lanthanoid oxyhydride, achieving high ammonia synthesis activity at low temperatures without requiring conventional high-temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electronic and chemical parameters of the catalyst by introducing lanthanoid oxyhydride support, which donates electrons to the transition metal and releases hydride ions. This modifies the catalytic properties to enable efficient nitrogen triple bond breaking at low temperatures, shifting the operational temperature parameter from conventional high-temperature range to low-temperature range while maintaining high reaction rate
2Productivity
If high pressure is applied to shift equilibrium to the right, then ammonia synthesis efficiency improves, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the catalytic parameters by using a transition metal supported on lanthanoid oxyhydride, which enhances the catalyst's ability to break nitrogen triple bonds and activate reactants. This parameter change in catalyst properties allows the reaction to proceed efficiently at lower pressures, reducing the need for high-pressure equipment and simplifying operational control
3Productivity
If transition metal catalyst particles are used, then nitrogen triple bond breaking is achieved, but the catalytic activity is insufficient without electron-donating materials and basic supports
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite catalyst where transition metal particles are supported on lanthanoid oxyhydride. This composite structure integrates multiple functions: the transition metal provides catalytic sites for nitrogen activation, while the lanthanoid oxyhydride support simultaneously donates electrons and releases hydride ions, eliminating the need for separate promoter compounds and simplifying the overall catalyst composition
Solution Approach 2:
The lanthanoid oxyhydride support performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support for transition metal particles, donates electrons to enhance catalytic activity, and releases hydride ions to facilitate nitrogen triple bond breaking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, simplifying the catalyst system while maintaining high catalytic activity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The lanthanoid oxyhydride-supported catalysts demonstrate significant ammonia synthesis activity, achieving higher reaction rates and efficiency compared to conventional catalysts, particularly at pressures below 20 MPa and temperatures up to 500°C.
Implementation Method 1
a lanthanoid oxyhydride material with high electron or hydride ion intake/release properties is used to support transition metals like Ru, enhancing ammonia synthesis activity
Implementation Method 2
a lanthanoid oxyhydride material with high electron or hydride ion intake/release properties is used to support transition metals like Ru, enhancing ammonia synthesis activity
Implementation Method 3
enhancing ammonia synthesis activity by promoting nitrogen dissociation and hydrogen interaction, thereby improving catalytic performance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to provide an electron or hydride ion intake/release material comprising a lanthanoid oxyhydride represented by the formula Ln(HO) (in the formula, Ln represents a lanthanoid element) or an electron or hydride ion intake/release composition comprising at least one kind of lanthanoid oxyhydride; a transition metal-supported material wherein a transition metal is supported by the above electron or hydride ion intake/release material or electron or hydride ion intake/release composition; and a catalyst comprising the transition metal-supported material. The electron or hydride ion intake/release material or electron or hydride ion intake/release composition according to the present invention has a higher ability for intake/release of electron or hydride ion than that of a conventional hydride-containing compound, and can be used effectively as a catalyst such as a catalyst having excellent ammonia synthesis activity by supporting a transition metal thereon.