The Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia in a Ceramic Electrochemical Reactor, Using Metal Oxide Electrodes

Abstract

The oxidation of ammonia to nitric oxide can be realized in a ceramic electrochemical reactor. Electrochemical control of the catalytically active electrode allows for an increased selectivity to the products of interest. This work examines the effect of metal oxide electrodes as catalysts for the above reaction. When Co3O4 was used, for example, control of the material could be realized and a more active catalytic species could be produced. Co3+ was postulated to be a very active species for the reaction and as such its stabilization by an applied potential allowed for an increased selectivity to nitric oxide.