Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in alkaline media

A method for electrolytically converting molecular nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3) in an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte, the method comprising:

• exposing an anode comprising a first conducting component to a molecular hydrogen (H2) containing fluid at a first pressure and first temperature, wherein the first conducting component is active toward adsorption and oxidation of H2;
• exposing a cathode comprising a second conducting component to a molecular nitrogen (N2) containing fluid at a second pressure and second temperature, wherein the second conducting component is active toward adsorption and reduction of N2 to form NH3;
• and
• applying a voltage between the anode exposed to the H2-containing fluid and the cathode exposed to the molecular N2-containing fluid so as to facilitate adsorption of hydrogen onto the anode and adsorption of nitrogen onto the cathode;
• wherein the voltage is sufficient to simultaneously oxidize the H2 and reduce the N2;
• wherein the first and second pressures are independently equal to or less than about 10 atmospheres (atm) to about 1 atm;
• and wherein the first and second temperatures are greater than about 25° C. and less than about 205° C.