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Nitrogen activation

Chemical capacitors for ammonia synthesis

Nature Catalysis volume 8, pages 200–201 (2025)Cite this article

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Ruthenium-based catalysts are of interest for ammonia synthesis, however they are susceptible to hydrogen poisoning. Now, Ru supported on low-work-function carbon and promoted with spatially separated BaO has been shown to be stable, active and poison-resistant thanks to an intriguing mechanism resembling that of a chemical capacitor.

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Fig. 1: Effect of low-work-function carbon support on BaO–Ru systems during NH3 synthesis.

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  1. School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

    A. Daisley & J. S. J. Hargreaves

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  1. A. Daisley
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  2. J. S. J. Hargreaves
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Correspondence to A. Daisley or J. S. J. Hargreaves.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Daisley, A., Hargreaves, J.S.J. Chemical capacitors for ammonia synthesis. Nat Catal 8, 200–201 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-025-01311-y

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