Ammonia synthesis using an electride as a catalyst

Abstract

12CaO·7Al₂O₃ electride (C12A7:e^-)with alow work function was synthesized under a reducing atmosphere by utilizing a stable inorganic oxide, 12CaO·7Al₂O₃ which is a commercial alumina cement with a mayenite structure. Ru-loaded C12A7:e^- exhibited a remarkable catalytic activity for ammonia synthesis and the activation energy was about one-half of that of conventional catalysts. Such high catalytic performance of Ru/C12A7:e^- is attributed to efficient electron donation from C12A7:e^- to antibonding orbitals of N₂ through Ru nanoparticle.