Novel Homogeneous Electrocatalysts for the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
- Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (United States)
This project funded a broad range of fundamental studies in the research labs of Prof. John Berry at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. The overall goals of this research are to identify and explore promising new fundamental chemistry of metal-metal bonded coordination compounds in catalysis, with a particular focus on exploring the technologies needed for the transition to a nitrogen economy. We focus on two key technologies for this overall goal: Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and water, and Electrochemical ammonia oxidation to produce nitrogen. Ammonia is the most hydrogen-rich material known aside from hydrogen itself, and is therefore an ideal fuel unit. Currently, ammonia synthesis uses significant fossil fuel inputs, has a large carbon footprint, and is performed in large, centralized facilities, mandating the exploration of carbon-neutral approaches that can be done in a distributable manner so that ammonia transportation does not pose a bottleneck. Our work towards these goals is organized as follows: Goal 1: Synthesis and characterization of new catalysts and N2RR intermediates; Goal 2: Thermodynamic investigations of all catalysts and intermediates; Goal 3: Exploration of the electrocatalytic N¬2RR using new catalysts. We additionally made progress toward a related Goal 4: Exploration of new types of catalysts with other, cheaper transition metals. We had a major setback in year 1 of the grant due to the student driving this project (Tristan Brown) contracting an incurable disease that made it impossible for him to perform lab work. Tristan transitioned to a computational chemistry project and was subsequently able to complete his PhD.
- Research Organization:
- The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, Madison, WI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0016442
- OSTI ID:
- 1670696
- Report Number(s):
- DOE-Madison-FR16442
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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