Ammonia synthesis using a stable electride as an electron donor and reversible hydrogen store

Methods that fix atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia under mild conditions could offer a more environmentally benign alternative to the Haber–Bosch process. Now, a Ru-loaded electride, [Ca24Al28O64]4+(e−)4, is reported that acts as an efficient electron donor and reversible hydrogen store, and is demonstrated to function as an efficient catalyst for ammonia synthesis.