Research database

The continuously increasing environmental concerns together with a potential energy crisis make more necessary than ever to explore alternative and sustainable energy sources that can replace fossil fuels. Ammonia is gaining momentum as a promising alternative renewable energy carrier and storage intermediate for global use in the future. Nowadays, ammonia is mainly produced via the Haber-Bosch process, which is high energy-demanding and source of greenhouses gases emissions. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (E-NRR) is a promising opportunity and at the same time a challenging alternative route for green ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. Although to date most E-NRR research studies focus on catalyst design, the electrolyte is vital since it essentially is responsible for the selectivity and efficiency of the process and more research is needed. The proposal “Electrolyte optimization for enhancing GREEN ammonia production from nitrogen ElectroReduction” (GREENER) fills this gap by focusing on novel electrolytes development and E-NRR optimization for green ammonia synthesis, boosting the transition toward zero-carbon. With the support of my supervisor (Prof Bella) and his cutting-edge European Research Council (ERC) Green Electrochemistry Lab at the Politecnico di Torino I will be trained in materials, methods and data analysis in electrochemistry and this fellowship will boost my career in science.