Roles of Interface and Surface of Electrode Catalysts in Ammonia Electrochemical Synthesis with Proton-Conducting Ceramic Fuel Cells

摘要

Investigation of energy carriers is of critical importance for chemical energy storage and transport technologies in combination with the large-scale utilization of renewable energy. Ammonia is a promising energy carrier in terms of carbon-free fuel, high energy density, and easy liquefaction (1). Electrochemical approaches can provide a more efficient reaction process and allow more flexible operations for ammonia production, compared with the industrial Haber-Bosch process. In this study, we investigated direct electrochemical synthesis of ammonia using proton-conducting ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) operating at high temperatures around 773 K. A ceramic proton conductor, BaCe_(1-x)Y_xO_3 (BCY), was used for an electrolyte membrane.