More than 180 million tons of NH3 are produced annual via the Haber-Bosch process which converts N2 and H2 at high temperatures (400 – 500°C) and pressures (150 – 300 bars). Ammonia synthesis also accounts for 1-2% of global energy consumption.1 The development of higher activity catalysts that can operate under less severe conditions would enhance the economics associated with and sustainability of NH3 synthesis. Research described in this paper investigates the performance of transition metal carbide and nitride supported metals for NH3 synthesis. Previously, Mo2C and Mo2N have been reported to be more active than Ru-based catalysts, but slightly…
