The electrochemical reduction of N/sub 2/ gas and its application to energy systems

Abstract

We have found that N/sub 2/ gas is subject to a cathodic reduction to form N/sup 3-/ ion in a molten chloride system. This new finding is encouraging us to consider the possibility of several energy conversion related electrochemical processes, i.e., thermally regenerative fuel cell with Li-N/sub 2/ couple, ammonia synthesis from N/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/O, and electrochemical implantation of N atom into metal surface to form energy material. In order to provide available data for considering these possibilities, cathodic reduction of N/sub 2/ gas, anodic oxidation of N/sup 3-/ ion and electrochemical surface nitriding reaction in molten chloride were investigated in detail.