Synthesis of catalysts based on Co(OH)2 towards electrocatalytic reduction of N2 to NH3 in water in salt electrolytes

• Grant number: 24/01361-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Susana Inés Córdoba de Torresi
• Grantee: Rafaela Morais Marrese
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/00675-4 - Tying up materials for electrochemical energy storage and catalysis, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/20464-6 - Investigation of the behavior of cobalt/iron catalysts mechanochemical synthesized towards eNO3-RR by X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

The Haber-Bosch process is extremely important due to its capacity to produce a large amount of ammonia, which is widely used in the fertilizer, polymer and explosives industries. Despite this, the Haber-Bosch process is carried out at very high temperatures and pressures, which makes it highly costly. Furthermore, this process is a nonenvironmental friendly since it is responsible to release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contribute to greenhouse emissions. Based on this premise, the study of electrochemical synthesis of of ammonia has received attention, being a more sustainable alternative to generating ammonia. However, there are still many challenges involving the electrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3, which includes the low activity and selectivity of electrocatalysts for the reaction. Then, this project aims to investigate catalysts and electrolytes that can promote and improve the electrochemical reduction of N2 into NH3.