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The Formation of Surface Lithium–Iron Ternary Hydride and its Function on Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis at Low Temperatures
Author(s) -
Wang Peikun,
Xie Hua,
Guo Jianping,
Zhao Zhi,
Kong Xiangtao,
Gao Wenbo,
Chang Fei,
He Teng,
Wu Guotao,
Chen Mingshu,
Jiang Ling,
Chen Ping
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201703695
Subject(s) - chemistry , hydride , lithium hydride , catalysis , ternary operation , lithium (medication) , ammonia , inorganic chemistry , redox , hydrogen , ruthenium , ammonia production , photochemistry , ion , organic chemistry , ionic bonding , medicine , computer science , programming language , endocrinology
Lithium hydride (LiH) has a strong effect on iron leading to an approximately 3 orders of magnitude increase in catalytic ammonia synthesis. The existence of lithium–iron ternary hydride species at the surface/interface of the catalyst were identified and characterized for the first time by gas‐phase optical spectroscopy coupled with mass spectrometry and quantum chemical calculations. The ternary hydride species may serve as centers that readily activate and hydrogenate dinitrogen, forming Fe‐(NH 2 )‐Li and LiNH 2 moieties—possibly through a redox reaction of dinitrogen and hydridic hydrogen (LiH) that is mediated by iron—showing distinct differences from ammonia formation mediated by conventional iron or ruthenium‐based catalysts. Hydrogen‐associated activation and conversion of dinitrogen are discussed.