Methods and compositions for microwave catalytic ammonia synthesis

A process for the synthesis of ammonia, comprising:

• providing a reaction chamber with a heterogeneous catalyst;
• wherein the heterogeneous catalyst comprises:
• (a) a metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10, Group 11, or combinations thereof;
• wherein the metal is present in an amount from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % based on the total weight of the heterogeneous catalyst;
• and a metal oxide support;
• and
• (b) a promoter comprising an oxide of K, an oxide of Ba and an oxide of Ce;
• wherein each promoter material is present independently in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt % based on the total weight of the heterogeneous catalyst;
• wherein the reaction chamber has a pressure of about 2 torr to about 20 atm;
• conveying a flow of a reactant gas mixture into the reaction chamber via an entry port;
• wherein the reactant gas mixture comprises nitrogen and hydrogen;
• contacting the reactant gas mixture and the heterogeneous catalyst;
• heating the heterogeneous catalyst using microwave energy, thereby providing a product gas mixture;
• and
• wherein the product gas mixture comprises ammonia;
• conveying the product gas mixture from the reaction chamber via an exit port.