Floating-electron catalyst withstands week in air while making ammonia under milder conditions
Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed an air-stable surface electrene by doping barium silicon nitride with oxygen. This material enables efficient ammonia synthesis under milder conditions when paired with ruthenium, overcoming previous stability issues.
Why it matters
This breakthrough could significantly reduce the energy intensity and carbon footprint of industrial ammonia production, which is vital for global fertilizer manufacturing.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Credit: Institute of Science Tokyo A surface electrene, BaSiN 2 :O, developed by researchers at Science Tokyo enables efficient ammonia synthesis under mild conditions while overcoming the long-standing air instability of electrene materials. Synthesized by doping barium silicon nitride with oxygen, the material forms a stable layer of freely floating electrons on its surface.
When combined with ruthenium, it delivers exceptionally high ammonia synthesis activity, paving the way for sustainable ammonia production and practical applications of electrene materials.
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