oxide

Additional surplus nitrogen in soil can produce nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.

In this process, copper oxide acts as an important catalyst in the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction, a more environmentally friendly approach compared to the traditional Haber-Bosch method.

"We refined our algorithms and used them to do a very detailed analysis of the metallic phase and oxide phase driving this very complex reaction."

Even worse, burning coal produces air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, that are real threats to human health.

Meanwhile, fertiliser use emits nitrous oxide -- the third-most-potent greenhouse gas after methane and carbon dioxide.