STFC UKRI

It is over one hundred years since the Haber-Bosch process was established for the production of ammonia. Since then, the dominant catalysts have been based on either ruthenium or iron with optimum rates limited by the catalyst surface’s proclivity (or otherwise) for nitrogen. Alternative methods of ammonia synthesis have not yet reached the overall efficiency of the Haber-Bosch process.

In this presentation, I will show our latest results on sodium-based, inorganic catalysts for ammonia synthesis. These catalysts, developed from our ammonia decomposition catalyst technology, require no transition metals, nor chemical looping process, yet are very active at Haber-Bosch temperatures and pressures (and possibly below as well). Their precursors also have an untold history that stretches back before that of even Haber’s work. While still in early TRL, these catalysts have a potential for usage in intermittent applications. The work has been funded by the ARENHA EU Horizon 2020 project.