Electride Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis

This chapter describes the motivation and progress in electride-based catalysts for ammonia synthesis at mild conditions. C12A7 electride (C12A7:e−) has unique properties of having low work function and chemical/thermal stability. We utilize this unique nature to an active support for activation of N2 adsorbed on the surface of metal nanoparticles loaded. The activation energy and TOF of Ru: C12A7:e− are half and higher an order of magnitude, respectively, and robustness to hydrogen poisoning is improved, compared with the previous Ru-loaded catalysts. This chapter outlines of Ru/C12A7:e− first and subsequently describes various types of electride materials including 2-dimensional(2D) and surface electrides and their catalysis applications.