January 17, 2024 | Juan Li, Yu Xia, Xiaowei Song, Bolei Chen, and Richard N. Zare
A method for continuous ammonia synthesis from water and nitrogen via contact electrification has been developed. The process involves bubbling nitrogen gas into a suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles in water, with the help of a surfactant. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations show that water acts as the proton donor for nitrogen reduction, and isotopic labeling confirms that nitrogen is the source of nitrogen in the ammonia. The mechanism involves electron transfer and reduction processes driven by contact electrification, leading to ammonia generation at the interface between water and PTFE particles. The optimal pH of the PTFE suspension was found to be 6.5–7.0, and ultrasonic mixing was used to promote continuous contact between water and solid particles. The ammonia production rate was found to be approximately 420 μmol L⁻¹ h⁻¹ per gram of PTFE particles, with no significant change over an 8-hour period.
Ammonia is essential for agriculture and industry, but the Haber–Bosch process, which uses fossil fuel-derived hydrogen, is energy-intensive and emits significant CO₂. Using water as a proton source under room temperature and atmospheric pressure offers a more sustainable alternative. However, the reaction requires a constant supply of electrons and protons to activate nitrogen. Recent studies have shown that contact electrification at water–gas and water–solid interfaces can generate reactive species, which may facilitate ammonia synthesis. The current study demonstrates that ammonia can be continuously synthesized from nitrogen and water through contact electrification without additional electrical energy or radiation. Ultrasonic waves promote continuous contact between water and solid particles, enabling continuous ammonia synthesis.
The reaction was studied under various conditions, including different ultrasonic power, temperatures, and pH levels. The ammonia yield was found to increase with ultrasonic power, temperature, and pH, but decreased at higher temperatures due to the cavitation effect. The pH of the suspension was found to significantly affect the ammonia yield, with neutral pH being optimal. The reaction mechanism involves the formation of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions at the interface, the adsorption of nitrogen on the PTFE surface, and the subsequent reduction of nitrogen to ammonia. The study also showed that the reaction can be sustained for up to 8 hours with a stable ammonia yield. This method offers a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process, potentially reducing the industry's reliance on fossil fuels and lowering CO₂ emissions.A method for continuous ammonia synthesis from water and nitrogen via contact electrification has been developed. The process involves bubbling nitrogen gas into a suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles in water, with the help of a surfactant. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations show that water acts as the proton donor for nitrogen reduction, and isotopic labeling confirms that nitrogen is the source of nitrogen in the ammonia. The mechanism involves electron transfer and reduction processes driven by contact electrification, leading to ammonia generation at the interface between water and PTFE particles. The optimal pH of the PTFE suspension was found to be 6.5–7.0, and ultrasonic mixing was used to promote continuous contact between water and solid particles. The ammonia production rate was found to be approximately 420 μmol L⁻¹ h⁻¹ per gram of PTFE particles, with no significant change over an 8-hour period.
Ammonia is essential for agriculture and industry, but the Haber–Bosch process, which uses fossil fuel-derived hydrogen, is energy-intensive and emits significant CO₂. Using water as a proton source under room temperature and atmospheric pressure offers a more sustainable alternative. However, the reaction requires a constant supply of electrons and protons to activate nitrogen. Recent studies have shown that contact electrification at water–gas and water–solid interfaces can generate reactive species, which may facilitate ammonia synthesis. The current study demonstrates that ammonia can be continuously synthesized from nitrogen and water through contact electrification without additional electrical energy or radiation. Ultrasonic waves promote continuous contact between water and solid particles, enabling continuous ammonia synthesis.
The reaction was studied under various conditions, including different ultrasonic power, temperatures, and pH levels. The ammonia yield was found to increase with ultrasonic power, temperature, and pH, but decreased at higher temperatures due to the cavitation effect. The pH of the suspension was found to significantly affect the ammonia yield, with neutral pH being optimal. The reaction mechanism involves the formation of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions at the interface, the adsorption of nitrogen on the PTFE surface, and the subsequent reduction of nitrogen to ammonia. The study also showed that the reaction can be sustained for up to 8 hours with a stable ammonia yield. This method offers a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process, potentially reducing the industry's reliance on fossil fuels and lowering CO₂ emissions.