Each atom counts in spontaneous Nitrogen cleavage

What is it about?

Isolated metal clusters serve as model systems for nitrogen activating catalysts, albeit idealized ones. Research on these clusters allows for an unprecedented multi-method approach that incorporates reaction kinetic studies, infrared vibrational characterization and quantum chemical modelling of the much involved multi step reaction pathways. Bringing the insights from all of these methods together, it became possible to scavenge and identify some frozen reaction intermediates with partial N2 activation. Together, this J.Chem.Phys. publication https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0157218 and the preceding back-to-back paper https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0157217 provide for an unprecedented detail of information on the Nitrogen Tantalum interaction.

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Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash

Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Catalytic Nitrogen activation and cleavage sustains large scale industrial fertilizer production feeding mankind. Nevertheless, the elementary steps of the most involved N2 bond breaking are still under debate, and fundamental research needs to elucidate these. Catalytic N2 self poisoning and catalytic N2 self promotion are effects which have not been characterized in detail before. Cluster research helps in this regard. It may point out directions for the improving of practical catalytic protocols.

Perspectives