Ammonia is a promising nitrogen-based fuel due to its high energy density and existing methods of storage and distribution. Catalysts for NH3 oxidation will be essential to utilize the energy stored in N-H bonds. Understanding the N-H bond strengths of M-NH3 complexes and M-NxHy intermediates is important for developing homogeneous catalysts for NH3 oxidation. Our current efforts examine N-H bond cleavage reactions by hydrogen atom abstraction using organic radicals as H atom acceptors, or by employing an oxidant and a base in sequential oxidation and deprotonation steps, to catalyze ammonia oxidation to N2. Experimental and computational investigations of molecular Ni-NH3 complexes supported by N-heterocyclic carbene ligands that catalyze the oxidation of NH3 to N2, as well as insights into putative catalytic pathways will be described.

Catalytic ammonia oxidation using nickel complexes

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.