Efficient ionic liquid-based reduction of nitrogen to ammonia

Current ammonia production, mostly for use in fertilisers, consumes more than 1% of the global energy supply and contributes 1.6 % of global CO2 emissions. A process that could convert nitrogen to ammonia by using renewable energy would provide an important alternative approach. Ammonia is also being considered as an energy storage medium, or fuel, for use in fuel cells. Based on the CI's recent discoveries, the project will develop a novel, hybrid ionic liquid - nanostructured electrode platform for electrochemical conversion of N2 to ammonia. The process will be optimised for use with surplus renewable energy supplies. From this, an ecofriendly protocol will be developed for efficient synthesis of ammonia under ambient conditions.