Researchers uncover key mechanisms for sustainable ammonia production

A University of Central Florida research team with collaborators at Virginia Tech has published critical findings about the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia, advancing sustainable fertilizer research and thus aiding global food safety efforts.

Using the metal ruthenium as a catalyst, researchers identified the most efficient way to produce ammonia through a more sustainable production method—electrochemically. This production method can be more sustainable when electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind, is used to power the electrochemical synthesis, the researchers say.

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Ammonia is mde from nitrogen in the air.

It could be harvested from human urine.

Which is more environmentally friendly?

Ammonia is also a reasonable way to transport hydrogen around. At the destination the hydrogen can be split from the nitrogen by means of the very clever filter made by the CSIRO.

Or you have a closed loop where nitrogen and hydrogen are split and recombined forever.