Ammonia Synthesis at Atmospheric Pressure

Abstract

Ammonia was synthesized from its elements at atmospheric pressure in a solid state proton (H + )–conducting cell-reactor. Hydrogen was flowing over the anode and was converted into protons that were transported through the solid electrolyte and reached the cathode (palladium) over which nitrogen was passing. At 570°C and atmospheric pressure, greater than 78 percent of the electrochemically supplied hydrogen was converted into ammonia. The thermodynamic requirement for a high-pressure process is eliminated.