Role of the Membrane Transport Mechanism in Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Experiments.

ABSTRACT: The electrochemical synthesis of ammonia through the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is receiving much attention, since it is considered a promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. In NRR experiments, a Nafion membrane is generally adopted as a separator. However, its use is controversial since ammonia can be trapped in the membrane, to some extent, or even pass through it. We systematically investigate the interaction of a Nafion membrane with ammonia and with an electrolyte and compare it with Zirfon as a possible alternative separator. We show that Nafion containing ammonia can easily release it when immersed in a 0.1 M Na₂SO₄ ammonia-free electrolyte, due to the cation exchange mechanism (Na⁺-NH₄⁺). Since Na₂SO

SUBMITTER: Leonardi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9607467 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature