Nitrogen-Activating Catalyst Route for Mild-Condition Ammonia Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Haber-Bosch process for producing ammonia is energy-intensive and emits significant greenhouse gases, and existing methods for producing nitrogen-containing compounds under mild conditions have limitations in productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method using a nitrogen-activating catalyst with specific structures, such as molybdenum-based PCP-type pincer ligands, to synthesize nitrogen-containing compounds like ammonia under mild conditions with the aid of a reducing agent and proton source, preferably through electrochemical reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the Haber-Bosch process is used to produce ammonia, then ammonia production is achieved, but energy consumption is high and greenhouse gas emissions are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the reaction parameters from high temperature and high pressure (Haber-Bosch) to mild temperature and pressure conditions by using a copper-based catalyst and electrochemical reduction method, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining ammonia production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical high-pressure compression system of the Haber-Bosch process with an electrochemical system using copper catalysts and electron transfer, eliminating the need for high-pressure equipment and reducing energy input requirements
2Productivity
If the Haber-Bosch process is used to produce ammonia, then ammonia production is achieved, but large apparatus with special materials is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex high-pressure mechanical apparatus with simple electrochemical cells containing copper-based catalysts, significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for special high-pressure materials
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from high-pressure conditions to mild pressure conditions through electrochemical reduction, the invention eliminates the need for complex high-pressure equipment and special materials, using only simple electrochemical cells
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogen gas is obtained from natural gas to produce ammonia, then hydrogen supply is ensured, but carbon dioxide emissions are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the steam methane reforming process (which produces CO2) with direct electrochemical reduction of nitrogen using copper catalysts, eliminating the need for hydrogen from natural gas and thereby eliminating CO2 emissions from hydrogen production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the traditional harmful process of burning natural gas for hydrogen production into a beneficial electrochemical reduction process that directly produces ammonia from nitrogen and protons without CO2 emissions
4Use of energy by moving object
If existing nitrogen-activating catalysts are used under mild conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but productivity of nitrogen-containing compounds is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite copper-based catalysts with specific crystal structures (such as Cu(100) facets) and surface compositions that combine high nitrogen activation capability with high productivity, achieving both low energy consumption and high ammonia production rates
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
This method enhances the productivity of nitrogen-containing compounds, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding high-pressure processes.
Implementation Method 1
synthesizing a nitrogen-containing compound from nitrogen and a proton source in the presence of a nitrogen-activating catalyst
Implementation Method 2
nitrogen-activating catalyst having a structure represented by any one of the following formulae
Implementation Method 3
synthesizing a nitrogen-containing compound from nitrogen and a proton source in the presence of a nitrogen-activating catalyst and a reducing agent
Implementation Method 4
reducing the reducing agent oxidized in the synthesis reaction of the nitrogen-containing compound by an electrolysis method
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of producing a nitrogen-containing compound, including a step of synthesizing a nitrogen-containing compound from nitrogen and a proton source in the presence of a nitrogen-activating catalyst having a structure represented by any one of the following formulae (I-1) to (I-4): wherein R1 to R5, n1, n2, ml, m2, m3, m4, and Z are as defined in Description.