A re-evaluation of Sn(II) phthalocyanine as a catalyst for the electrosynthesis of ammonia

Shipman, M. A. and Symes, M. D. (2017) A re-evaluation of Sn(II) phthalocyanine as a catalyst for the electrosynthesis of ammonia. Electrochimica Acta, 258, pp. 918-622. (doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.11.105)

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Abstract

The electrosynthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and water is a topic of considerable interest in the quest for sustainable and decentralized NH3 production. Tin(II) phthalocyanine complexes have been proposed as electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction to ammonia in aqueous solution, with Faradaic yields approaching 2% having been reported. Herein, however, we show that such complexes are not electrocatalysts for this transformation, with the amount of ammonia detected being essentially the same under N2 and under Ar. Instead, we suggest that apparent ammonia generation could arise either through contaminants in the as-prepared tin (II) phthalocyanine complexes, or by the electro-decomposition of these complexes under cathodic bias.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Symes, Professor Mark and Shipman, Mr Michael
Authors: Shipman, M. A., and Symes, M. D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Electrochimica Acta
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0013-4686
ISSN (Online):1873-3859
Published Online:21 November 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Elsevier
First Published:First published in Electrochimica Acta 258:618-622
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
714601Driving energetically uphill processes using metal-ligand coordination complexesMark SymesThe Royal Society (ROYSOC)UF150104CHEM - CHEMISTRY
732791Electrocatalytic ammonia production using phthalocyanine-based catalystsMark SymesThe Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (CARNEGTR)70442CHEM - CHEMISTRY