Sustainable Ammonia Synthesis Method: Harnessing Solar Power for Green Production

TO-135 • PT 1.2879 • As of 10/2023
Institute of Energy Technologies
Electrochemical Process Engineering (IET-4)

Technology

The invention presents a method and device for synthesizing ammonia using an electrochemical main cell, consisting of an anodic half-cell with an anode and a cathodic half-cell with a cathode, separated by a membrane, typically a cation exchange membrane.

Protons transfer from the anodic to the cathodic half-cell. The anode contains catalyst materials like Iridium, Ruthenium, or Platinum, while the cathode contains materials such as Ruthenium, Titanium, or Iron. Ideally the process can be driven by renewable energy, therefore photovoltaic cells have been considered to provide the electric energy, Nitrogen is taken from air and hydrogen is generated within the system from water.

Problem addressed

Traditional ammonia synthesis, like the Haber-Bosch process, is energy-intensive, needs high-pressure, and is harmful to the environment. Typical this technique needs large and complex devices within chemical plants.

This new technology introduced here addresses these issues by enabling a more sustainable and efficient ammonia production that can be setup at small scale decentralized.

Solution

The invention uses electrochemical cells to generate ammonia, making it more environmentally friendly. An upstream electrochemical precursor cell provides hydrogen and oxygen to the main cell, reducing the need for energy-intensive nitrogen extraction from the air. This results in a greener and more sustainable ammonia production process.

Benefits and Potential Use

This innovation provides an opportunity to improve the sustainability of ammonia production, making it appealing to a wide range of potential partners. Potential applications include efficient ammonia production for various industries, such as agriculture for fertilizers, with the added benefit of using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to power the process.

Development Status and Next Steps

The technology has already been initially verified through prototypes and is continuously being developed further. The Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK-14) - Electrochemical Process Engineering - already cooperates with numerous national and international companies and scientific partners. Forschungszentrum Jülich focuses on energy and cost-efficient devices, suitable for various emerging technologies. We are continuously seeking for cooperation partners and/or licensees in this and adjacent areas of research and applications.

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