Nitric oxide utilization for ammonia production using solid electrolysis cell at atmospheric pressure

Electrochemical ammonia (NH 3 ) production, an alternative to the energy-intensive Haber process, has been extensively studied based on the basis of N 2 fixation; a high-yield production is hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the N 2 reduction reaction (N 2 RR) process originating from the strong triple bonds. Thus, several studies have primarily focused on discovering efficient catalysts for the N 2 RR. However, the development of a rate-limiting dissociation of N 2 remains a major challenge. In this study, we propose a simple strategy to improve the electrochemical NH 3 production rate by using an oxygen ionic conducting ceramic-based electrolysis cell and nitric oxide (NO), which has a lower bonding energy in comparison to N 2 . A maximum value of the NH 3 synthesis rate of 1885 μmol cm –2 h –1 (Faradaic efficiency of 34.8%) with a negligible thermal decomposition rate of 0.16% was achieved at 650 °C under atmospheric conditions. This study demonstrated an alternative approach for NO-based electrochemical NH 3 production as well as the efficient utilization of NO, which is harmful to the environment.