Xianbiao Fu

To address the issues of high carbon emissions and high temperature and pressure reaction conditions in traditional ammonia synthesis, Xianbiao Fu proposed an innovative approach of nitrogen reduction coupled with hydrogen oxidation driven by renewable energy​. Through continuous-flow electrochemical synthesis technology at ambient pressure and temperatures, he significantly improved the operational stability of flow electrolyzers and solved the mass transfer limitations of reactants, achieving a record-breaking ammonia Faradaic efficiency of 61%.

Xianbiao rationally designed and successfully synthesized platinum-gold alloy catalysts, and their high activity and stability were verified. Using this anode catalyst, the anode potential was greatly reduced, thereby avoiding the oxidation of organic solvents. Additionally, he deeply studied the structural evolution of the catalyst and the catalytic reaction mechanism, establishing rational design principles and structure-activity relationships for proton shuttles​.

He also discovered and achieved a new calcium-mediated electrochemical ammonia synthesis route for the first time. This discovery not only broke the existing scientific understanding in the field but also provided a new direction for developing efficient and low-cost green ammonia synthesis technology.

Xianbiao hopes to develop new green ammonia synthesis technology routes, using green ammonia as a carrier for energy storage and transportation, and as a zero-carbon fuel. This green and sustainable ammonia synthesis method can significantly reduce carbon emissions while substantially lowering fertilizer production costs, having a profound impact on agriculture and the environment globally, especially in developing countries, and is expected to promote the sustainable development of the green energy and chemical industries​.