The electrochemical reduction of N2 gas and its application to energy systems

We have found that N₂ gas is subject to a cathodic reduction to form N^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-N₂ couple, ammonia synthesis from N₂ and H₂O, 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 N₂ gas, anodic oxidation of N^3- ion and electrochemical surface nitriding reaction in molten chloride were investigated in detail