Silver-Modified Electrodes for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Haber-Bosch method for ammonia synthesis is energy-intensive and emits significant greenhouse gases, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly process.

Innovation Solution

An ammonia synthesis device and method using an electrode unit with a first electrode partially replaced by silver through galvanic replacement, and an electrolyte containing a silver salt, which facilitates nitrogen reduction to ammonia with improved efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the Haber-Bosch method is used for ammonia synthesis, then ammonia production is achieved, but enormous energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveammonia synthesis efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical Haber-Bosch process with an electrochemical system. Instead of using high temperature and pressure mechanical conditions with iron catalysts, the invention uses electrical energy to drive nitrogen reduction reactions at ambient or milder conditions, fundamentally substituting the energy input mechanism and reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from extreme conditions (high temperature, high pressure) to milder electrochemical conditions. By controlling electrical potential, current density, and electrolyte composition, the system achieves ammonia synthesis at significantly lower energy input while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If silver is added to the electrolyte or electrode, then Faradaic efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFaradaic efficiencyVSAvoidelectrolyte composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies silver locally rather than system-wide. Silver is either plated onto specific portions of the electrode surface or added to the electrolyte in controlled concentrations, creating localized active sites that enhance nitrogen reduction selectivity and Faradaic efficiency without requiring silver throughout the entire system, thus limiting complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances ammonia synthesis efficiency and reduces energy consumption by forming a thicker LiF layer on the electrode surface, thereby lowering overvoltage and increasing Faradaic efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of the first electrode includes silver through galvanic replacement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGalvanic replacement:

Implementation Method 2

applying a voltage to an electrode unit that is at least partially immersed in the electrolyte, and reducing the nitrogen with the applied voltage to produce ammonia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction:

Implementation Method 3

forming a thicker LiF layer on the electrode surface, thereby lowering overvoltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLayer formation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250333855A1Ammonia synthesis device and ammonia synthesis method using the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION

AI summary

Provided herein is an ammonia synthesis device including an electrode unit including a first electrode and a second electrode that have opposite polarities, and an electrolyte in which at least a portion of the electrode unit is immersed, wherein the electrolyte includes an organic solvent, a lithium salt, and a medium that provides protons, and at least a portion of the first electrode includes silver through galvanic replacement, or the electrolyte further includes a silver salt