Activation of CH₄, NH₃, and N₂ by Tantalum Ions, Clusters and Their Oxides: What Can Be Learnt from Studies of Ions in the Gas Phase

The emission control of harmful compounds and greenhouse gases and the development of alternative, sustainable fuel sources is a major focus in current research. A solution for this problem lies in the development of efficient catalytic materials. Here, gas phase model systems represent prominent examples for obtaining fundamental insights on reaction properties of prospective catalytic systems. In this work, we review results from studies of tantalum clusters and their oxides in the gas phase and discuss insights with a potential relevance for applied systems. We focus on reactions that are essential for sustainable chemistry in the future. In detail, we address the activation of methane, which may enable the transformation of a greenhouse gas to a chemical feedstock, and we discuss the activation of NH₃, which may function as an alternative energy carrier whose unwanted emission needs to be curbed in future applications. Finally, we consider the activation of N₂ as a third reaction, since reducing the high energy demand of ammonia synthesis still bears significant challenges. While tantalum may be an interesting catalytic material, the discussed studies may also serve as benchmark for investigations of other materials.