Electrochemical experiments define potentials associated with binding of substrates and inhibitors to nitrogenase MoFe protein

Journal article

The activation of dinitrogen as a fundamental step in reactions to produce nitrogen compounds, including ammonia and nitrates, has a cornerstone role in chemistry. Bringing together research from disparate fields where this can be achieved sustainably, this Faraday Discussion seeks to build connections between approaches that can stimulate further advances. In this paper we set out to provide an overview of these different approaches and their commonalities. We explore experimental aspects including the positive role of increasing nitrogen pressure in some fields, as well as offering perspectives on when 15N2 experiments might, and might not, be necessary. Deconstructing the nitrogen reduction reaction, we attempt to provide a common framework of energetic scales within which all of the different approaches and their components can be understood. On sustainability, we argue that although green ammonia produced from a green-H2-fed Haber-Bosch process seems to fit the bill, there remain many real-world contexts in which other, sustainable, approaches to this vital reaction are urgently needed.

Authors: Chen, T; Ash, PA; Seefeldt, LC; Vincent, KA

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• Journal: Faraday Discussions
• Volume: 243
• Pages: 270-286
• Publication date: 2023-07-19
• DOI: 10.1039/d2fd00170e
• EISSN: 1364-5498
• ISSN: 1359-6640
• Language: English
• Keywords: Combinatorial chemistry; Biochemistry; Nitrogen fixation; Physical chemistry; Stereochemistry; Nitrogenase; Nitrogen; Electrochemistry; Chemistry; Enzyme; Electrode; In situ; Organic chemistry