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In a groundbreaking development, two research teams from the University of Sydney and the University at Buffalo have independently devised methods for producing "green" ammonia directly from air using artificial lightning. These innovative techniques offer a promising alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process, which is energy-intensive and heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
The University of Sydney team, led by Professor PJ Cullen, has developed a two-stage process to convert air into gaseous ammonia using electricity. The first stage involves creating a plasma that activates nitrogen and oxygen in the air, and the second stage uses a membrane-based electrolyzer to produce ammonia molecules.
On the other hand, the University at Buffalo team, led by Chris Li, uses a catalyst made of copper and palladium to produce ammonia. Their method, which operates at room temperature and normal pressure, is powered by electrical energy, such as solar power.
Comparatively, the Haber-Bosch process relies on nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) gases, produced using significant amounts of fossil fuels. The process is energy-intensive, emits CO2, and requires high temperatures (400-500°C) and high pressure (150-300 atm).
The plasma-based method, however, excites nitrogen and oxygen molecules in air using an electric plasma source, mimicking lightning, and then feeds these excited molecules into a membrane electrolyzer that produces ammonia gas directly. This pathway eliminates the need for separate hydrogen production and high-pressure catalytic reactors, which are central to the Haber-Bosch process.
While the plasma component has achieved promising energy efficiency and scalability, improving the electrolyzer's energy efficiency is necessary to make the complete system competitive with Haber-Bosch. Both research teams are working to make their processes more energy-efficient and prepare them for industrial application.
Ammonia, one of the most important industrial chemicals worldwide, is found in fertilizers, fuels, and serves as a hydrogen carrier. Its potential as an energy carrier in the hydrogen economy, such as fuel for ships or an energy storage medium, makes the development of green ammonia production methods even more significant.
The goal is to produce a gram of ammonia per day continuously with a container system, scalable as needed. As these methods progress, they could pave the way for a new era of sustainable "green ammonia" production with lower environmental impact.
- The University of Sydney's groundbreaking method in creating green ammonia is an exciting advancement in environmental-science, as it utilizes technology like data-and-cloud-computing to optimize the plasma-based process and enhance its energy efficiency.
- The University at Buffalo's approach for green ammonia production utilizes advanced catalysts made from copper and palladium, making it a significant contribution to climate-change mitigation by providing a renewable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.
- With the development of these green ammonia production methods, scientists are unlocking new possibilities in science and technology, as this chemical becomes a crucial element in the drive towards a sustainable hydrogen economy and a more environmentally friendly future.
