Computer models pinpoint catalysts for replacing fossil-fueled ammonia production
Ammonia is one of the most important chemicals produced in the world, ranking second only to sulfuric acid in the total volume produced each year. It is used mostly to make fertilizer, which is essential to feeding the world's population. Yet its production accounts for up to 2% of the world's energy consumption and about 1.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, so the search has been underway for ways…
Ammonia production is a significant contributor to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with the traditional Haber–Bosch process relying heavily on fossil fuels. Researchers at MIT have developed a method to identify promising catalyst materials for an electrochemical ammonia production process, which could make the transition to a more sustainable method more feasible.
This new approach uses computational tools to predict which materials could be most effective as catalysts, significantly reducing the time and resources required to test each possible combination of alloys. The ideal catalyst would lower energy consumption and improve selectivity, making the low-emissions method competitive with the Haber–Bosch process.
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