Optimized synthesis of metal-organic framework (MOF) based electro-catalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR)

Abstract

Ammonia (NH3), the critical compound found in fertilisers and many other industrial processes, has been environmentally taxing to reproduce and consumes large amounts of energy under the conventional Haber-Bosch process. This study investigates an alternative approach based on the method of electro-catalyst nitrogen reduction reaction (E-NRR) with Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF) as the electrocatalyst. MIL-101 (Cr) is the chosen MOF for this study, owing to its good catalytic properties of high porosity, surface area, robust stability and tunability. The hydrothermal synthesis method was utilised in this study to synthesise chromium nitrate nonahydrate and terephthalic acid, forming MIL-101 (Cr). Purification, desiccation and characterisation methods are discussed within the experimental segment of this report. Characterisation results were studied to understand the structure and electronic properties of the MOF. The findings will be consolidated and discussed, elucidating the potential of MOF-based electrocatalyst, furthering the research of a decentralised ammonia production, laying additional groundwork for optimisation and scalability of MOF.