Ammonia to Hydrogen Conversion at Low Temperatures Using Electric Field-Assisted Surface Protonics
Ammonia (NH₃) can be broken down to produce hydrogen gas without releasing CO₂, making it valuable for the green energy industry. However, the high temperatures required for this process have been a challenge. In a collaboration between Japanese researchers and industry, a new method using an electric field and Ru/CeO₂ catalyst was developed to produce green hydrogen from ammonia at lower temperatures.
Hydrogen gas is a promising energy source for a sustainable future due to its high energy density and lack of carbon emissions. Ammonia is a preferred hydrogen carrier because of its abundance, high hydrogen content, and ease of transport. However, the high temperatures needed for its decomposition have limited its practical use. In a recent study, a team from Waseda University and Yanmar Holdings introduced a process using Ru/CeO₂ catalyst and an electric field to efficiently convert ammonia to hydrogen at lower temperatures.
The researchers found that by applying an electric field, they could enhance the ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion rate at significantly lower temperatures than previously thought possible. This breakthrough could pave the way for more widespread adoption of clean fuels and help meet the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Source
Michael Thompson earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University in the USA, specializing in precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. His work revolves around the development of automated systems that increase farm efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Michael is now a senior engineer at a leading agri-tech company, where he designs innovative solutions for modern agriculture.