A low-crystalline ruthenium nano-layer supported on praseodymium oxide as an active catalyst for ammonia synthesis. Issue 1 (19th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sato, Katsutoshi; Imamura, Kazuya; Kawano, Yukiko; Miyahara, Shin-ichiro; Yamamoto, Tomokazu; Matsumura, Syo; Nagaoka, Katsutoshi
• Is Part Of: Chemical science. Volume 8:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 674
• Page End: 679
• Publication Date: 2016-09-19
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02382g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-6520

Abstract

Abstract : Low-crystalline Ru nano-layers and the strong basicity of Ru/Pr2 O3 synergistically accelerated the rate-determining step of ammonia synthesis. Abstract : Ammonia is a crucial chemical feedstock for fertilizer production and is a potential energy carrier. However, the current method of synthesizing ammonia, the Haber–Bosch process, consumes a great deal of energy. To reduce energy consumption, a process and a substance that can catalyze ammonia synthesis under mild conditions (low temperature and low pressure) are strongly needed. Here we show that Ru/Pr2 O3 without any dopant catalyzes ammonia synthesis under mild conditions at 1.8 times the rates reported with other highly active catalysts. Scanning transmission electron micrograph observations and energy dispersive X-ray analyses revealed the formation of low-crystalline nano-layers of ruthenium on the surface of Pr2 O3 . Furthermore, CO2 temperature-programmed desorption revealed that the catalyst was strongly basic. These unique structural and electronic characteristics are considered to synergistically accelerate the rate-determining step of NH3 synthesis, cleavage of the NN bond. We expect that the use of this catalyst will be a starting point for achieving efficient ammonia synthesis.