Mechanochemical Ammonia Synthesis: Old is New Again

Abstract

Hydrogen is a promising clean energy source, an alternative to fossil fuels, and can potentially play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. The transportation and storage of hydrogen are the biggest hurdles to realizing a hydrogen economy. Ammonia is considered to be one of the most promising hydrogen carriers, because of its high hydrogen content and easy liquefaction in mild conditions. To date, ammonia is mostly produced by the 'thermocatalytic' Haber-Bosch process, which requires high temperature and pressure. As a result, it can only produce ammonia in 'centralized' manufacturing systems. Mechanochemistry, a newly emerging method for efficient ammonia synthesis, offers potential advantages over the Haber-Bosch process. Mechanochemical ammonia synthesis under near ambient conditions can be connected with 'localized' sustainable energy systems. In this perspective, the state-of-the-art mechanochemical ammonia synthesis processes will be introduced. Challenges and opportunities are also discussed in relation to its role in a hydrogen economy.