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T. van der Zwart
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Towards Sustainable Ammonia Production: Harnessing Lithium Chemistry for Ammonia Synthesis Under Moderate Conditions
Proof of Concept delivery for the first steps towards a sustainable NH3 synthesismethod
The global demand for ammonia is increasing. While traditionally driven by agriculture, new applications in sectors such as transport and energy are expanding the need for ammonia production. The conventional Haber-Bosch process, however, is highly energy-intensive and produces significant carbon emissions, making it increasingly unsuitable in light of growing climate goals. This study aims to take the first steps towards the development of an alternative ammonia production method based on lithium chemistry. To achieve this, two key reactions—lithium nitridation and the subsequent ammonia synthesis reaction—are closely investigated to establish proof of concept. In this investigation, a series of qualitative and quantitative experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of key reaction variables, including time, pressure, and flow type. Additionally, a simplified shrinking core model was developed to quantitatively analyse reactant behaviour and inform process optimisation. The findings demonstrate that significant ammonia production is achievable under moderate conditions. At reaction conditions of 1.5 barg and 30°C, the lithium nitridation reaction reached up to 98% conversion within just 30 minutes. For ammonia synthesis, a peak concentration of 1 molar ammonia was achieved with a dissolution time of approximately 3.5 hours. The shrinking core model revealed a high initial reaction rate that gradually slowed, indicating the potential for optimising conversion efficiency relative to reaction time. Additionally, analysis showed that a slight increase in pressure positively affected conversion rates in the nitridation reaction. Overall, this lithium-based method offers a sustainable pathway for ammonia synthesis, producing heat and generating no direct carbon emissions. Incorporating heat recovery and reactant recycling could further strengthen the sustainability profile of this method, indicating that this approach could be implemented to cope with rising ammonia demand while reducing environmental impact.
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The global demand for ammonia is increasing. While traditionally driven by agriculture, new applications in sectors such as transport and energy are expanding the need for ammonia production. The conventional Haber-Bosch process, however, is highly energy-intensive and produces significant carbon emissions, making it increasingly unsuitable in light of growing climate goals. This study aims to take the first steps towards the development of an alternative ammonia production method based on lithium chemistry. To achieve this, two key reactions—lithium nitridation and the subsequent ammonia synthesis reaction—are closely investigated to establish proof of concept. In this investigation, a series of qualitative and quantitative experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of key reaction variables, including time, pressure, and flow type. Additionally, a simplified shrinking core model was developed to quantitatively analyse reactant behaviour and inform process optimisation. The findings demonstrate that significant ammonia production is achievable under moderate conditions. At reaction conditions of 1.5 barg and 30°C, the lithium nitridation reaction reached up to 98% conversion within just 30 minutes. For ammonia synthesis, a peak concentration of 1 molar ammonia was achieved with a dissolution time of approximately 3.5 hours. The shrinking core model revealed a high initial reaction rate that gradually slowed, indicating the potential for optimising conversion efficiency relative to reaction time. Additionally, analysis showed that a slight increase in pressure positively affected conversion rates in the nitridation reaction. Overall, this lithium-based method offers a sustainable pathway for ammonia synthesis, producing heat and generating no direct carbon emissions. Incorporating heat recovery and reactant recycling could further strengthen the sustainability profile of this method, indicating that this approach could be implemented to cope with rising ammonia demand while reducing environmental impact.