Electrochemical Reduction of N2 to NH3 at Low Potential by a Molecular Aluminum Complex. Issue 2 (30th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sherbow, Tobias J.; Thompson, Emily J.; Arnold, Amela; Sayler, Richard I.; Britt, R. David; Berben, Louise A.
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 25:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2018-10-30
• Subjects: aluminium -- ammonia -- main group -- N2 reduction -- redox-active ligands; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201804454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

Abstract: Electrochemical generation of ammonia (NH3 ) from nitrogen (N2 ) using renewable electricity is a desirable alternative to current NH3 production methods, which consume roughly 1 % of the world's total energy use. The use of catalysts to manipulate the required electron and proton transfer reactions with low energy input is also a chemical challenge that requires development of fundamental reaction pathways. This work presents an approach to the electrochemical reduction of N2 into NH3 using a coordination complex of aluminum(III), which facilitates NH3 production at −1.16 V vs. SCE. Reactions performed under 15 N2 liberate 15 NH3 . Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic characterization of a reduced intermediate and investigations of product inhibition, which limit the reaction to sub‐stoichiometric, are also presented. Abstract : N2 Reduction to NH3 was observed at −1.16 V vs. SCE using a redox‐active ligand complex of aluminum(III) to mediate proton and electron transfer.