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<\/a>The plasma column used for green ammonia production. Credit \u2013 PJ Cullen\/ The University of Sydney<\/p>\nFuture fuel and hydrogen carrier<\/p>\n
Ammonia is gaining attention not just in agriculture but also in the energy sector. It contains three hydrogen atoms, making it an efficient way to store and transport hydrogen. Industry bodies are already exploring methods to extract hydrogen from ammonia by \u201ccracking\u201d the molecules apart.<\/p>\n
Ammonia\u2019s carbon-free profile also makes it a strong contender for future clean fuels. The shipping industry, which is responsible for about 3% of global emissions, is especially interested.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Cullen\u2019s team has worked on green ammonia technologies for six years. Their new setup centers on the membrane<\/a>-based electrolyzer, a compact silver box where the final conversion occurs.<\/p>\n During the Haber-Bosch process, ammonia<\/a> is produced by combining nitrogen and hydrogen gases under intense heat and pressure. Cullen\u2019s process uses plasma to energize air molecules and pass them through the electrolyzer to create ammonia directly.<\/p>\n \u201cThis new approach is a two-step process, namely combining plasma and electrolysis,\u201d Cullen explained. \u201cWe have already made the plasma<\/a> component viable in terms of energy efficiency and scalability.\u201d<\/p>\n However, he added, \u201cTo create a more complete solution to a sustainable ammonia productive, we need to push the energy efficiency of the electrolyzer component.\u201d<\/p>\n With ammonia production set to increase globally, this research could redefine how the world approaches one of its most important chemicals.<\/p>\n