NH3 production via N2 reduction using MoS2-modified GDL cathode decorated with Fe nanoparticles

• Grant number: 23/01402-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Lucia Helena Mascaro Sales
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz Cardile
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials, AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/07181-5 - Production of alkylamines by reaction of olefins with ammonia, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

The production of NH3 is crucial for human development and the global economy, since ammonia is the second most synthesized chemical in the world, of which about 80% is used in the production of fertilizers. In fact, approximately half of the nitrogen contained in our bodies comes from a synthetic source of ammonia. Furthermore, ammonia is a promising carbon-free energy carrier with high hydrogen content (17.6% by mass), high energy density (4.25 kWh L-1), and easy handling and transport. Currently, NH3 production on a world scale is approximately 170 Mton per year and predominantly depends on the Harber-Bosch (H-B) process, developed at the beginning of the 20th century, through the catalytic reaction between N2 and H2. An electrochemical approach to N2 reduction becomes an attractive prospect in this context. The cathode in an electrochemical system is responsible for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR). In this project, we aim to decorate MoS2 with Fe, in order to improve the electrochemical reduction capacity of N2 for the production of NH3 at room temperature. In addition, the use of this catalyst supported on GDL can accelerate charge transport, facilitating the electrochemical reaction.