Ammonia as H2 energy vector
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Abstract
This PhD research project will involve the investigation of physical chemistry aspects (such as adsorption), combined with catalysis and reaction engineering development. The overall aim of the project is the development of a new technology for the distributed production of ammonia in an energy efficient manner. Success will enable the use of ammonia and its complexes as hydrogen vector in a future sustainable energy landscape. The project will involve the simultaneous development of catalysts based on non-noble metals to enable low temperature reactions as well as absorbents to overcome current thermodynamic limitations, both tasks based on the development of new materials.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Laura Torrente Murciano (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Collin Smith (Student) |
Publications
Smith C
(2020)
Current and future role of Haber-Bosch ammonia in a carbon-free energy landscape
in Energy & Environmental Science
Smith C
(2021)
Guidance for targeted development of ammonia synthesis catalysts from a holistic process approach
in Chem Catalysis
Smith C
(2021)
Exceeding Single-Pass Equilibrium with Integrated Absorption Separation for Ammonia Synthesis Using Renewable Energy-Redefining the Haber-Bosch Loop
in Advanced Energy Materials
Smith C
(2021)
The potential of green ammonia for agricultural and economic development in Sierra Leone
in One Earth
| Description | A new process for ammonia production to replace the conventional Haber-Bosch process has been developed and demonstrated. This process is targeted for ammonia production from renewable energy to store hydrogen in a more economical form. The key features of the process are a low-temperature, high-conversion catalyst and a high-temperature ammonia absorbent to facilitate the synthesis and separation of ammonia in a single vessel. The catalyst is ruthenium based with caesium and ceria to remove ammonia and hydrogen inhibition, respectively, and the absorbent is manganese chloride supported on silica gel for stability and high-temperature absorption through ammoniate formation. The current Haber-Bosch process uses multi-step loop to synthesis and separate ammonia. By integrating in a single vessel, the ammonia production process becomes vastly more agile and low-capital, making it compatible with intermittent and isolated renewable energy. |
| Exploitation Route | The principles implemented to achieve a new single vessel process for ammonia production could be taken forward and improved for commercialization by either existing ammonia producers looking to utilize renewable energy rather than fossil fuels or energy providers looking to utilize ammonia as an economical form for long term renewable hydrogen storage. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy |