Boosting Ammonia Synthesis under Mild Reaction Conditions by Precise Control of the Basic Oxide–Ru Interface

Strong basic oxide–supported Ru catalysts are easily prepared and handled, and they have been used as effective catalysts for ammonia synthesis under mild reaction conditions since the 1970s. Recent research has revealed that precise control of the boundary states between the basic oxide (i.e., rare-earth oxide, alkali earth oxide), oxygen defect sites, and Ru nanoparticles can be used to enhance ammonia synthesis under mild reaction conditions and inhibit hydrogen poisoning, which is a typical drawback of strong basic oxide–supported Ru catalysts.