Enhancement of rate of nitrogen reduction reaction for ammonia synthesis using cobalt oxide electrocatalyst

• Main Author: Aw, Yuh Meei
• Other Authors: Alex Yan Qingyu
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/77442
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Ammonia production is an essential for fertilization and nitrogen compounds, it can also be used as hydrogen energy carrier and alternative fuel for vehicles. The Haber-Bosch process is the main method used to produce ammonia currently, which is energy intensive and costly. The process also utilizes a large amount of fossil fuels and emits carbon dioxide, contributing to environmental pollution. Therefore, it is critical to find a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for ammonia synthesis. The use of nano-catalysts in an electrochemical system under ambient conditions is considered as an alternative for the synthesis of ammonia. In this paper, we will report the performance of Co3O4 nanorods as catalysts to enhance the nitrogen reduction reaction for ammonia synthesis. The nanorods are synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis of the cobalt oxide mixture. The samples will be characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD,) Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), Electrochemical Open Circuit Voltage (OCV), chrono-amperometry, faradaic efficiency and electrochemical impedance testing. After the characterization tests, the SEM and XRD results obtained illustrated that Co3O4 nanorods were formed as a result of hydrothermal synthesis. This work will provide an opportunity to improve the yield of ammonia via electrochemical synthesis and will be a definitely aid in reducing environmental pollution.