Li Cycling for NH3 Synthesis

About

Summary: Stanford researchers at the Jaramillo, Nørskov, and Cargnello Lab have developed an improved system to generate NH3 (ammonia) from N2 and H2O via a low-pressure, electro-thermochemical, sustainable alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process.  The prevalent Haber-Bosch manufacturing technique, which reacts N2 with H2, has a number of drawbacks. It consumes large amounts of natural gas to obtain H2, emits carbon dioxide, and requires high-pressure conditions that force the use of expensive centralized factories. The new technology resolves a number of these concerns. The use of water in place of H2 obviates the need for fossil fuels, the technique emits only H2O and O2 as byproducts, and less rigorous pressure requirements reduce the cost of running the process. Moreover, this technique could allow for the local production of ammonia that would then be put immediately into the soil, reducing the cost of fertilizer and maximizing nitrogen utilization efficiency. Thus, this technology could allow for cheaper, less energy-consuming, and more environmentally friendly production and use of ammonia, compared to current standards.   Applications: Ammonia production from water and N2 for use as: Fertilizer Chemical precursor to many nitrogen-containing chemicals Fuel alternative Energy storage from renewable sources (wind, solar, etc.)   Advantages: Ammonia production without the use of H2 and fossil fuels Energy-efficient May provide a means by which to resolve energy concerns with the Haber-Bosch process, which requires over 1% of the entire global energy and 3-5 % of the natural gas supply for pre-requisite hydrogen production Lower-cost less high-pressure requirements than Haber-Bosch, allowing for less equipment and operational costs Enables local manufacturing- could be produced locally instead of inside large factories, reducing distribution costs and maximizing nitrogen utilization efficiency Environmentally-friendly: unlike Haber-Bosch, does not emit CO2