ZIF-supported AuCu nanoalloy for ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrogen and thin air

Abstract

Nitrogen fixation via the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient conditions has the potential to disrupt the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process with a more environmentally friendly alternative. Utilizing air as the feed stock would represent an important step towards future industrialization of green ammonia. Herein, a gold–copper nanoalloy-decorated zeolitic imidazolate framework, denoted as AuCu/ZIF-8, exhibits high NH₃ yield, remarkable efficiency, long-term stability and pH independence for the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia. Making ammonia from thin air and renewable electricity speaks well for the development of sustainable ammonia refineries.