N2 reduction to ammonia typically requires transition metal catalysts, proceeding via a strong metal–nitrogen interaction. Now a Ba–Si orthosilicate oxynitride–hydride has been shown to function as a transition-metal-free catalyst for ammonia synthesis through an anion-vacancy-mediated mechanism, where electrons at the vacancy sites facilitate N2 activation.
- Zhujun Zhang
- Kazuki Miyashita
- Masaaki Kitano
