Co-generation of Ammonia and H2 from H2O Vapor and N2 Using a Membrane Electrode Assembly

The direct electrochemical synthesis of NH₃ from nitrogen and water vapor without the use of a fossil carbon source is highly desired. This synthesis is a viable option to store energy and produce fertilizer precursors. Here, a new Pt-free membrane electrode assembly is presented. An electrochemical membrane reactor demonstrates the feasibility of co-generating NH₃ and H₂ directly from nitrogen and water vapor at ambient conditions. An unprecedented high NH₃-specific current efficiency of up to 27.5% using Ti as cathodic catalyst is reported. The co-generation can be tuned by the balance of process parameters.