What Activates the Nitrogen Molecule in Ammonia Synthesis Using Supported Metal Catalysts ? A Quantum-Chemical Model Study

抄録

The N-N bond breaking of the N₂ molecule on a metal surface is the key process in the ammonia synthesis using heterogeneous catalysts. Herein we discuss electronic factors in the bond cleavage on the basis of electronic-structure calculations. It is shown that the hydrogenation of the end-on coordinated N₂ molecule may play an important role, which may be accompanied by electron transfer from the catalyst to N₂.