Radiocatalytic ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and water

The development of alternative methods to the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia (NH ) synthesis is a pressing and formidable challenge. Nuclear energy represents a low-carbon, efficient and stable source of power. The harnessing of nuclear energy to drive nitrogen (N ) reduction not only allows 'green' NH synthesis, but also offers the potential for the storage of nuclear energy as a readily transportable zero-carbon fuel. Herein, we explore radiocatalytic N fixation to NH induced by γ-ray radiation. Hydrated electrons (e ) that are generated from water radiolysis enable N reduction to produce NH . Ru-based catalysts synthesized by using γ-ray radiation with excellent radiation stability substantially improve NH production in which the B sites of Ru particles may play an important role in the activation of N . By benefitting from the remarkable penetrating power of γ-ray radiation, radiocatalytic NH synthesis can proceed in an autoclave under appropriate pressure conditions, resulting in an NH concentration of ≤5.1 mM. The energy conversion efficiency of the reaction is as high as 563.7 mg ·MJ . This radiocatalytic chemistry broadens the research scope of catalytic N fixation while offering promising opportunities for converting nuclear energy into chemical energy.