{"id":51297,"date":"2024-09-19T13:37:11","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T12:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=51297"},"modified":"2024-09-19T13:37:11","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T12:37:11","slug":"green-ammonia-production-process-could-revolutionise-farming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/green-ammonia-production-process-could-revolutionise-farming\/51297\/","title":{"rendered":"New green ammonia production process could revolutionise farming and clean energy"},"content":{"rendered":"
Researchers from RMIT University have developed a low-energy method that could pave the way for a sustainable green ammonia production process, which is vital for both agriculture and clean energy.<\/p>\n
Ammonia plays a crucial part in the global economy, primarily used in fertilisers to grow much of the world’s food supply.<\/p>\n
It also serves as a critical player in the clean energy sector as a carrier for hydrogen<\/a>, a promising alternative fuel.<\/p>\n Despite its importance, traditional ammonia production comes at a significant environmental cost. Current methods consume over 2% of the world’s energy and contribute nearly 2% of global carbon emissions.<\/p>\n The widely-used Haber-Bosch process, developed over a century ago, is highly energy-intensive, requiring extreme heat and pressure to split nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia. However, new research offers a greener alternative, potentially revolutionising ammonia production.<\/p>\n Led by Dr Karma Zuraiqi, a research fellow at RMIT University, the team has developed an innovative approach that slashes energy consumption and emissions.<\/p>\n Their method uses 20% less heat and requires 98% less pressure compared to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. The breakthrough findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this low-energy approach in producing ammonia without sacrificing efficiency.<\/p>\n “Ammonia production worldwide is currently responsible for twice the emissions of Australia. If we can improve this process and make it less energy-intensive, we can make a large dent in carbon emissions,” said Zuraiqi.<\/p>\n This new technique could significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with ammonia production, offering a more sustainable solution to meet global demands.<\/p>\n The RMIT team is at the forefront of research into liquid metal catalysts<\/a> for various applications, including ammonia production, carbon capture<\/a>, and energy generation.<\/p>\n Catalysts are materials that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process, and in this case, liquid metal catalysts have unlocked new possibilities for green ammonia production.<\/p>\n The researchers created ‘nano planets’, tiny droplets of liquid metal containing copper and gallium, which function as catalysts in the reaction.<\/p>\n These nano planets, with their hard crust and liquid core, efficiently break apart nitrogen and hydrogen to form ammonia.<\/p>\n The combination of copper and gallium proved to be more effective together than either metal used alone, with gallium facilitating nitrogen splitting and copper aiding in hydrogen breakdown.<\/p>\n “Copper and gallium separately had both been discounted as poor catalysts for ammonia production, yet together they do the job extremely well,” explained RMIT Professor Torben Daeneke.<\/p>\n This synergy between the two metals offers a cost-effective and abundant alternative to the precious metals, such as ruthenium, used in conventional processes.<\/p>\n While the traditional Haber-Bosch process is only feasible in large industrial settings, the RMIT team’s green ammonia method has the potential to be scaled for both large-scale and decentralised production.<\/p>\n This flexibility could lead to small-scale green ammonia production at renewable energy sites like solar farms, reducing transportation costs and emissions even further.<\/p>\n In addition to its applications in fertiliser production, this green ammonia technology could play a crucial role in the hydrogen economy.<\/p>\n Converting hydrogen into ammonia makes it safer and easier to transport. However, if ammonia produced through traditional methods is used as a hydrogen carrier, emissions could increase, counteracting the benefits of hydrogen as a clean energy source.<\/p>\n While the laboratory results are promising, the next challenge is scaling the green ammonia production method for industrial use. The team is now working to design a system that can operate at even lower pressures, making it more practical for a variety of industries.<\/p>\n This innovative approach to green ammonia production could be a game-changer in reducing emissions and driving the shift toward cleaner energy sources, making the future of ammonia both greener and more sustainable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Researchers from RMIT University have developed a low-energy method that could pave the way for a sustainable green ammonia production.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":51299,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24433],"tags":[550,24413,24229],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGreener alternative reduces energy consumption<\/h3>\n
Liquid metal catalysts: The key to efficiency<\/h3>\n
Upscaling and future potential<\/h3>\n