Current Situation of Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) Ammonia Synthesis and Its Potential to Build a Sustainable Nitrogen Fixation Industry

Abstract

Ammonia has more sustainable applications than being a fertilizer. Its emerging applications include hydrogen carrier, fuel cells, clean transportation fuels, and other off-grid power applications. The environmental and centralization problems associated with the conventional Haber-Bosch process are great limitations to the current nitrogen fixation industry. Currently, the Haber-Bosch production of ammonia around the world is centralized Hence it is critical to introduce a sustainable nitrogen fixation process under low temperature and pressure conditions. The non-thermal plasma (NTP) allows for the synthesis of ammonia at a lower temperature and pressure conditions. It is proposed that the moderate process conditions can potentially allow a more economical construction and operation of ammonia production systems on distributed farms and renewable hydrogen production sites. In this presentation, we will discuss the past and current situations, and the most recent development on the NTP ammonia synthesis (from both our lab and other published studies). Next, analysis and recommendations will be made on the potential of changing the ammonia production industry using this technology, leading to further discussions on how to improve the current ammonia production infrastructure to a more sustainable fashion.

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Author Information
Peng Peng, University of Minnestoa, United States
Paul Chen, University of Minnesota, United States
Min Addy, University of Minnesota, United States
Charles Schiappacasse, University of Minnesota, United States
Yanling Cheng, University of Minnesota, United States
Nan Zhou, University of Minnesota, United States

• Category: Industry

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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