Catalysts for NH3 production at low temperature and pressure

Details

Supervisors

Gaigneaux, Eric M. ; Gamez Rivera, Sebastian Antonio

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en chimie et bioindustries, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Given the escalating environmental concerns of our time and the need for sustainable and energy-efficient processes, the significance of ammonia (NH3) production becomes apparent. This industrial process, responsible for approximately 2.4 tons of CO2 per ton of production, ranks among the 'big four' contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, alongside cement, steel, and ethylene. Notably, a substantial portion of the energy input, about 60%, is dedicated to generating the heat and pressure required within the reactor. To tackle this challenge, considerable improvements can be made to the classical Haber-Bosch process, which currently operates at high temperatures and pressures (up to 450°C and 200 bar) using traditional iron-based catalysts. By reducing these harsh conditions, the industry can achieve significant energy savings while simultaneously curbing GHG emissions. This work is focused on developing heterogeneous catalysts made of cheaper and more accessible materials than cesium-ruthenium-doped iron catalysts. Titanium oxide (TiO2) supported cobalt-based catalysts were investigated by our group because of the transition metal’s capacity to break the triple bond present in the nitrogen (N2) molecule.