Next-generation ammonia synthesis catalyst that doesn't break down in air, developed by Institute of Science Tokyo

Explanation

A research team at Institute of Science Tokyo (Specially Appointed Professor Hideo Hosono, Professor Masaaki Kitano, and others) has developed a new ammonia synthesis catalyst that resists breakdown even in air. "Electrides," substances that can release many electrons at their surface to trigger reactions, normally have the weakness of breaking down quickly upon contact with air. The research team replaced part of the nitrogen on the surface of a BaSiN2 crystal with oxygen to introduce electrons, creating a mechanism in which nitrogen molecular ions cover and protect the surface upon contact with nitrogen gas. A catalyst with ruthenium loaded onto this "surface electride" recorded a world-leading ammonia production rate under relatively mild conditions of 300°C and 9 atmospheres. Ammonia is a raw material for fertilizers and next-generation fuels, and this achievement brings energy-saving production methods closer to reality.