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High-efficiency electrochemical conversion of nitrogen into ammonia

Summary

A highly efficient and selective ammonia production process based on electrolysis at ambient temperature and pressure. Novel electrocatalysts combined with a novel electrolyte offer high efficiency with opportunities for recycling and/or on-demand production.

Technology Benefits

- High efficiency electrochemical
process
- Novel electrocatalysts
- Novel electrolyte
- Possible application in fuel cells

Technology Application

Ammonia production e.g. recycling and on-demand production
Fertiliser production
Plastics, fibres, explosives.

Detailed Technology Description

We have developed a very high-efficiency electrochemical process for generating ammonia, either as a gas or in solution. We have identified a novel family of nanostructured electrocatalysts, which, combined with a novel electrolyte, together provide a very significantly increased efficiency of reaction. Our new electro-catalysts selectively and efficiently catalyse reduction of nitrogen (N2) to ammonia (NH3). These new catalysts overcome the problems associated with previous electrocatalysts that do not have high enough efficiency, catalytic activity and stability for an economically feasible N2 reduction process. In addition, our patented electrolyte medium offers the advantage of elevated solubility for N2 gas, increasing the concentration of nitrogen at the electrolyte / electrode interface, contributing to increased efficiency at ambient temperature and pressure. The system makes use of atmospheric nitrogen or potentially could use nitrogen generated as a product from ammonia fuel cells.

Type of Cooperation

Licensing

Application Date

03/02/2017 00:00:00

Application No.

PCT/AU2017/000036

Others

This technology presents a number of exciting options for development. We seek a partner to take the technology to the next step towards a commercial process.
Our team of researchers are experts in developing novel catalysts and electrolyte media for energy storage / production research.
The Monash research team is led by Prof Doug MacFarlane (Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow; ARC Centre for Electromaterials Science – Energy Program Leader).

ID No.

2015-073

Country/Region

Australia