Ammonia synthesis using plasma-produced electrons

Abstract

A method of ammonia synthesis is described that includes contacting a nitrogen gas-containing plasma with an aqueous solution, thereby forming ammonia from the nitrogen gas and water. The nitrogen gas-containing plasma is present in an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a container including an acidic liquid electrolyte. The electrochemical cell also includes a source of nitrogen gas, a metal electrode at least partially immersed in the electrolyte, a metal tube electrode spaced apart from a surface of the electrolyte by a predetermined spacing. The electrochemical cell is configured to provide a plasma spanning the predetermined space from the metal tube electrode to contact the surface of the electrolyte when power is applied to the metal tube electrode.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . An electrochemical cell for ammonia synthesis, comprising: a container comprising an acidic liquid electrolyte; a source of nitrogen gas; a metal electrode at least partially immersed in the electrolyte; a metal tube electrode spaced apart from a surface of the electrolyte by a predetermined spacing; and wherein the electrochemical cell is configured to provide a plasma spanning the predetermined space from the metal tube electrode to contact the surface of the electrolyte when power is applied to the metal tube electrode. 
     
     
         14 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 13 , wherein the source comprises a hollow conductive body including a first opening and a second opening comprising a nitrogen gas outlet and the second opening being separated from the surface of the acidic liquid electrolyte by the predetermined spacing. 
     
     
         15 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 13 , wherein the metal electrode comprises a platinum electrode. 
     
     
         16 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 13 , wherein the acidic liquid electrolyte has a pH of 5 or less. 
     
     
         17 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 13 , wherein the source of nitrogen gas is configured to deliver the nitrogen gas at a flow rate of about 125 milliliter (mL) per minute. 
     
     
         18 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 13 , wherein the metal tube electrode comprises a stainless electrode. 
     
     
         19 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 13 , wherein the electrochemical cell has a volume of about 1 liters or less. 
     
     
         20 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 13 , wherein the electrochemical cell has a volume of about 100 milliliter (mL) or less.