Radiocatalytic ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and water

The development of alternative methods to the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia (NH₃) 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 (N₂) reduction not only allows 'green' NH₃ synthesis, but also offers the potential for the storage of nuclear energy as a readily transportable zero-carbon fuel. Herein, we explore radiocatalytic N₂ fixation to NH₃ induced by γ-ray radiation. Hydrated electrons (e^- _aq) that are generated from water radiolysis enable N₂ reduction to produce NH₃. Ru-based catalysts synthesized by using γ-ray radiation with excellent radiation stability substantially improve NH₃ production in which the B₅ sites of Ru particles may play an important role in the activation of N₂. By benefitting from the remarkable penetrating power of γ-ray radiation, radiocatalytic NH₃ synthesis can proceed in an autoclave under appropriate pressure conditions, resulting in an NH₃ concentration of ≤5.1 mM. The energy conversion efficiency of the reaction is as high as 563.7 mg_NH3·MJ^-1. This radiocatalytic chemistry broadens the research scope of catalytic N₂ fixation while offering promising opportunities for converting nuclear energy into chemical energy.