Investigating cathode materials and alloying impact on Li-mediated nitrogen reduction reaction

The project studies the green production of ammonia (NH3) for use in fertilizers and as a green fuel. In the method we are studying, connecting an electrochemical cell to a power source allows nitrogen (N2) gas to react with electrons (e-) and protons (H+) on the negative electrode (cathode) to produce NH3. To increase the efficiency of this reaction, lithium (Li) can be used in the solution to help break the N2 bonds on the cathode surface. We aim to comprehensively study the effect of the cathode material on the performance of this Li-mediated reaction for the first time. The host institute will benefit from the novel information obtained, and for the home institute, the intern will share experiences and help set up a system for studying Li-mediated NH3 production for the first time in Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniel Guay

Student:

Partner:

Delft University of Technology

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: