#South Korea #sustainable energy #Ammonia Production #Jeonbuk-do #Jeonbuk University

Innovative Approaches to Ammonia Production: A Dual-Chemical Looping Strategy

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea have introduced a novel dual-chemical looping method aimed at enhancing the efficiency of ammonia synthesis, a compound crucial for various industries, from agriculture to energy production. Traditional ammonia production processes like the Haber-Bosch method, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels and uses significant energy, contribute approximately 1-1.3% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. As the world seeks sustainable solutions, this research has the potential to combat the environmental burden associated with ammonia production.

The Role of Ammonia in Industry

Ammonia plays an indispensable role in numerous sectors, primarily known for its use in fertilizers. However, its versatility extends beyond agriculture; ammonia is emerging as an innovative liquid hydrogen carrier and a viable low-carbon fuel alternative. This added importance heightens the urgency to adopt more environmentally friendly production methods.

The Innovative Dual-Chemical Looping Process

Developed by Assistant Professor Sunghyun Cho and his team, the research brings together the thermal decomposition of methane with Al₂O₃-based and Fe₂O₃-based chemical looping cycles. This dual-looping technique not only improves energy efficiency but also decreases reliance on conventional methods. Dr. Cho remarks, "By merging these processes, we've crafted an ammonia synthesis method that avoids the energy-intensive steps typical of traditional techniques, enabling a more sustainable production pathway."

Breakdown of the Dual-Looping Process

The proposed method integrates several critical stages. First, the Al₂O₃-based chemical loop performs nitrogen fixation and hydrolysis:

1. Nitrogen Fixation: In this stage, Al₂O₃ reacts with nitrogen and solid carbon, producing aluminum nitride (AlN).
2. Hydrolysis: Following that, AlN is treated with steam, yielding ammonia.

In this dual-looping framework, the thermal decomposition of methane supplies solid carbon necessary for the A-CL, while the Fe₂O₃-based chemical looping introduces nitrogen, eliminating the need for separate air separation units.

The process also features a cross-connection via carbon monoxide production within A-CL, which acts as a reusable feedstock for the F-CL system, culminating in efficient material circulation throughout the ammonia synthesis process.

Performance and Feasibility Testing

To validate its practical applications, the research team performed extensive energy, exergy, economic, and environmental assessments on ten process configurations, juxtaposing their dual-looping strategy against the conventional Haber-Bosch method and both single-chemical looping systems based on Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃. The findings were promising: the dual-looping setup achieved an impressive 8.4% improvement in energy efficiency and a 19.0% boost in exergy efficiency compared to traditional methods. Moreover, emissions related to global warming were minimized by a remarkable 15.85 kg of CO₂-equivalent for every kilogram of ammonia produced. Crucially, the new method also showcased the lowest production costs of all configurations examined.

Looking to the Future

The implications of this research extend beyond laboratory results. As Dr. Cho observes, "Our dual-looping technology can be applied across industries that require large-scale ammonia production, offering a viable path to reducing carbon emissions while supporting economic feasibility." The significance of this advancement cannot be overstated as it aligns with global efforts towards cleaner energy systems and broader strategies for a carbon-neutral future.

For further reading, check out their full paper titled Conceptual design and 4E analysis of an ammonia synthesis process integrating methane thermal decomposition and dual chemical looping published in Energy Conversion and Management (DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2025.120700). This study represents a pivotal step toward sustainable ammonia production techniques and could significantly contribute to future clean fuel solutions.