An Opinion on the Heterogeneous Photoreactions of N₂ with H₂O

Abstract

The artificial photosynthesis of ammonia , that is, the fixation of N 2 and conversion to NH 3 , is a fascinating research goal about which there are repeated reports of success in the literature. This communication now shows amongst other results why the obvious methods, in particular the heterogeneous catalysis of the reaction of N 2 and H 2 O on the surface of oxidic compounds, are destined to failure.