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Project

Power to chemicals (P2C).

The aim of this project is to demonstrate CO2-neutral ammonia production by renewable electricity-driven processes via novel (photo-)electrocatalytic and plasma-based routes. Five scientific objectives have been defined. Objective 1. To reveal the mechanism of N2 activation in candidate electrocatalysts. The first step of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), N2 activation that relies on the choice of electron donor-acceptor pairs, will be studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and mechanistic study of known transition metal compounds. Objective 2. To screen and rationally develop highly efficient electrocatalysts for NRR. Catalysts with the theoretically electron donor-acceptor pairs will be prepared, tested and further optimized to achieve efficient NRR. The aim is to develop low-cost and environmental-friendly electrocatalysts with a Faradaic efficiency over 10% at a current density of at least 0.1 mA/cm2. Objective 3. Investigation and optimization of extrinsic parameters for durable NRR performance. Mass transport limitations will be studied via electrocatalyst integration in tailor-made gas diffusion electrodes. The influence of process parameters will be investigated and optimized, aiming at electrode stability for continuous and stable NH3 production. Objective 4. Investigation and development of plasma reactors for NH3 production. Three different plasma setups will be investigated for NH3 production, i.e., dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and gliding arc (GA), as well as a plasma jet interacting with liquid H2O. The first two setups will also be tested with the electrocatalysts. The experiments will be supported by modeling, and conditions with maximum NH3 yield and minimum energy cost will be explored. The target is to achieve an NH3 yield above 1% and energy cost below 30 MJ/mol. Objective 5. Develop stand-alone electro- and plasma reactor driven by a photovoltaic solar cell. Integration of both reactor concepts (based on electrocatalytic and plasma (catalytic) ammonia production) to a stand-alone device powered with sunlight and usage of atmospheric air as feedstock. In a so-called ammonia panel concept, the electrolyser and plasma gas-flow reactors will be integrated with a photovoltaic solar cell. The N2 and H2O in air are used as reactant for ammonia production. The aim for this prototype is to realize an ammonia production rate of 6.2 mol h-1 m-2.
Date:1 Jan 2020 →  30 Jun 2021
Keywords:PLASMA CHEMISTRY, PLASMA CATALYSIS, AMMONIA, PLASMA
Disciplines:Chemistry of plasmas, Catalysis, Heterogeneous catalysis
Project type:Collaboration project