Nitrogenase inspired nitrogen electroreduction to ammonia

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The aim of this research project is to realise an electrochemical interface that can efficiently reduce of dinitrogen to ammonia and other nitrogen-containing chemicals, below 100 C and at atmospheric pressures. Current N2 reduction occurs via the Haber-Bosch process, in centralised facilities at >150 bar and >400 C, consuming a colossal >1% of global fossil fuels. The electrochemical reduction of N2 under ambient conditions could be far more attractive. It would take place at the point-of-use and be powered by renewable energy If the process were efficient enough, ammonia could even be used as an energy carrier. Until now, experiments have only been able to reduce trace amounts of dinitrogen. Our aim is to yield bulk amounts. More specifically the project objectives are to: (a) synthesise and test a carbon-based gas diffusion electrode for nitrogen reduction to ammonia under conditions of accelerated mass transport and (b) develop a nitrogenase inspired catalyst, on a solid material, that can reduce N2 to NH3 in quantitative amounts (10 ppm) without resorting to lithium plating potentials.