Plasma-catalyzed ammonia synthesis over La(OH)3 catalyst: Effects of basic sites, oxygen vacancies, and H2 plasma treatment

Ammonia is a promising carrier for energy storage due to its high hydrogen content, low storage and transportation costs, and zero carbon emissions. Plasma catalysis shows excellent potential for sustainable ammonia synthesis; however, searching for suitable catalysts is ongoing. La(OH) 3 was studied due to its rich basic sites and oxygen vacancies, which are beneficial for plasma-catalyzed ammonia synthesis. The optimal reaction conditions were investigated, and a maximum ammonia synthesis rate of 37.13 μmol/(min•g -cat ) was achieved. H 2 plasma treatment enhanced the catalytic activity of La(OH) 3 , and ammonia synthesis rate of 40.00 μmol/(min•g -cat ) were achieved. This study contributes to the development of efficient catalysts for plasma-catalyzed ammonia synthesis and highlights the potential of La(OH) 3 as a promising catalyst.