by A group of researchers from Tianjin University in China has made significant progress in the development of a low-temperature, low-pressure, large-scale ammonia synthesis method. Ammonia is a key chemical used in the production of nitrogenous fertilizers and has the potential to be a green fuel. However, the traditional method of ammonia synthesis, known as the Haber-Bosch method, requires high temperatures and pressure, resulting in high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The team from Tianjin University has developed an electromagnetic field (EMF)-assisted technique for ammonia synthesis using commercial iron-based catalysts. With the assistance of the EMF, the reaction can take place at a significantly lower temperature of 100°C compared to the traditional method, which requires temperatures of around 300°C.
In a scale-up experiment using 80 grams of commercial catalysts, the EMF-assisted technique demonstrated a five-fold increase in ammonia yield and a 2.7-fold decrease in energy consumption. The improved catalytic performance is attributed to the EMF inducing electron transfer from iron orbitals to nitrogen orbitals in both side-on and end-on adsorption modes.
To further validate the viability of this method for large-scale industrial applications, the researchers have built a pilot-scale system at Tianjin University with a production capacity of 10,000 kilograms per year. This marks the first step towards the industrialization of EMF-assisted thermal catalysis.
Furthermore, the team is conducting additional research on EMF-assisted thermal catalysis in Qinghai Province, known for its abundant renewable energy resources. This research aims to explore a practical industrial pathway for overcoming the challenges of large-scale storage and transportation of renewable energy. By doing so, the team hopes to accelerate the achievement of the dual carbon goal – reducing carbon emissions while promoting the use of renewable energy.
The development of a low-temperature, low-pressure, large-scale ammonia synthesis technique has significant implications for the fertilizer industry and the transition towards sustainable energy sources. By reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in ammonia production, this innovation can contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change and promoting a greener future.
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