Low-carbon ammonia offers alternative for agriculture and hydrogen transport
Researchers at RMIT University developed a low-carbon ammonia production method using liquid metal catalysts, reducing energy requirements and emissions, and supporting decentralized production and hydrogen transport.
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A new method for producing low-carbon ammonia, developed by researchers at RMIT University, could significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with ammonia production. Ammonia is essential for fertilizers and serves as a hydrogen carrier in clean energy applications. The traditional Haber-Bosch process, which is energy-intensive and responsible for about 2% of global carbon emissions, is being challenged by this innovative approach that utilizes liquid metal catalysts, specifically copper and gallium. This new method requires 20% less heat and 98% less pressure compared to the conventional process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. The research team, led by Dr. Karma Zuraiqi, emphasizes that this technique could be scaled for both large and small production facilities, potentially allowing for decentralized ammonia production at solar farms. This advancement not only aims to lower emissions from ammonia production but also seeks to enhance the hydrogen industry by providing a greener method for hydrogen transport. The next steps involve upscaling the technology for industrial applications and further testing outside laboratory conditions.
- RMIT University has developed a low-carbon ammonia production method using liquid metal catalysts.
- The new process is more energy-efficient, requiring significantly less heat and pressure than traditional methods.
- This innovation could facilitate decentralized ammonia production, reducing transport costs and emissions.
- The technology aims to support the hydrogen industry by providing a greener ammonia solution for hydrogen transport.
- Researchers are looking for partners to help scale the technology for broader industrial use.
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2 commentsThat is pretty impressive! Even if this doesn't revolutionize our energy infrastructure, it will change a lot of our modern agriculture and chemical manufacturing.
> "Liquid metals allow us to move the chemical elements around in a more dynamic way that gets everything to the interface and enables more efficient reactions, ideal for catalysis," Daeneke said. "Copper and gallium separately had both been discounted as famously bad catalysts for ammonia production, yet together they do the job extremely well."
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