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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
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Ammonia Synthesis at Low Pressure
Published on: August 23, 2017
Direct Solar Power-Driven Durable Ammonia Electrosynthesis From Nitrate Under Fluctuating Voltage Conditions
Xiaokang Wang1, Jiankun Li2, Liyun Wu3
1Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute For Innovative Materials, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Solar-powered nitrate electroreduction (NO3RR) for ammonia (NH3) synthesis faces challenges from fluctuating solar energy. This study demonstrates a novel catalyst design achieving high NH3 selectivity and stability under real-world solar conditions.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Solar energy offers a sustainable route for ammonia synthesis via nitrate electroreduction (NO3RR).
- Catalyst stability and efficiency are challenged by fluctuating voltages and system start-stops due to solar energy variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a catalyst that maintains high NH3 faradaic efficiencies (FEs) and stability under fluctuating solar power.
- To investigate the mechanism behind enhanced NO3RR performance.
Main Methods:
- Manipulating charge distribution symmetry across distinct Cu facets.
- Utilizing a membrane electrode assembly powered by a commercial silicon-based solar panel.
- Conducting mechanistic studies involving isolated Sn incorporation on Cu (111) facets.
Main Results:
- Achieved NH3 FEs above 90% across an 800 mV potential window in H-cell conditions.
- Demonstrated stable operation for 8 days under fluctuating natural solar conditions (1.6 V-2.9 V) with NH3 FEs between 81%-94% at 300 mA cm-2.
- Incorporating isolated Sn on Cu (111) induced asymmetric charge distribution, enhancing NO3- interaction and promoting key reaction steps.
Conclusions:
- The catalyst design provides a blueprint for practical, direct solar power-driven ammonia electrosynthesis.
- Asymmetric charge distribution is key to overcoming solar energy variability challenges in NO3RR.
