Enhancement of the Catalytic Activity of Lithium Amide towards Ammonia Decomposition by Addition of Transition Metals

The catalytic decomposition of ammonia to hydrogen is a vital process in the use of ammonia as a zero-carbon energy store. However, the viability of current catalyst systems in terms of operating conditions, versatility, and cost efficiency has proven an issue. Catalytic and gravimetric studies were conducted considering mechanistic uncertainty surrounding the enhanced catalytic activity reported for lithium amide and imide composited with transition metals (Cr, Mn, Fe). Gas flow in excess of ammonia decomposition was quantified and used to differentiate the extent of formation of non-stoichiometric lithium imide amide from other competing processes. This analysis showed the initial compositional transition from lithium amide to an imide-rich phase was reduced in temperature by compositing with Mn and Cr, but not with Fe. The system is, therefore, best considered as promoted lithium imide, with Cr and Mn acting to reduce the formation temperature of the active imide-rich phase such that the catalytic activity is enhanced.