In a world-first, Monash University scientists have developed a new, environmentally friendly process that could drive the future production of green ammonia.
Ammonia (NH3) is a globally important commodity for fertiliser production to help sustain food production. It is currently produced via a metal catalysed reaction between nitrogen gas and hydrogen from natural gas, using an established technology known as the Haber-Bosch process.
The production of each metric tonne of ammonia contributes to the emission of roughly 1.9 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, and accounts for roughly 1.8 per cent of global carbon emissions.
A team of Monash University scientists, led by Professor Doug MacFarlane, Dr Bryan Suryanto and Dr Alexandr Simonov, have discovered a process based on phosphonium salts that represents a breakthrough in overcoming this carbon-intensive problem.
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