Search

Liquid metal could be key to greener ammonia

We are an online community created around a smart and easy to access information hub which is focused on providing proven global and local insights about sustainability

29 Sep, 2024

This post was originally published on Sustainability Matters

An RMIT-led study relying on liquid metal catalysts has demonstrated a low-energy approach for producing ammonia that is as effective as the current gold standard, which relies on the force of pressure. This new process could lead to significant cuts in carbon emissions caused by production of the widely used chemical.

Ammonia is used in fertiliser to grow much of the world’s food; it also plays a role in clean energy as a carrier to safely transport hydrogen. However, the global production of ammonia presents a huge environmental problem, with the gas consuming over 2% of global energy and producing up to 2% of global carbon emissions.

Dr Karma Zuraiqi, RMIT Research Fellow and lead author of the study, said the team’s greener alternative used 20% less heat and 98% less pressure than the century-old Haber-Bosch process used today for splitting nitrogen and hydrogen into ammonia.

Dr Karma Zuraiqi holds a vial of copper, a key component of the team’s new catalyst. Image credit: Michael Quin, RMIT.

“Ammonia production worldwide is currently responsible for twice the emissions of Australia. If we can improve this process and make it less energy-intensive, we can make a large dent in carbon emissions,” said Zuraiqi, from RMIT’s School of Engineering.

“The copper and gallium we use is also much cheaper and more abundant than the precious metal ruthenium used as a catalyst in current approaches,” Zuraiqi added.

“These advantages all make it an exciting new development that we’re keen to take further and test outside the lab.”

Liquid metal as a catalyst

The team is at the forefront of harnessing the special properties of liquid metal catalysts for ammonia production, carbon capture and energy production.

A catalyst is a substance that makes chemical reactions occur faster and more easily without itself being consumed.

This latest study showcased the RMIT-proprietary technique by creating tiny liquid metal droplets containing copper and gallium — named ‘nano planets’ for their hard crust, liquid outer core and solid inner core structure — as the catalyst to break apart the raw ingredients of nitrogen and hydrogen.

A new way of making ammonia by harnessing the power of liquid metal could lead to significant cuts in carbon emissions caused by production of the widely used chemical. Image credit: Michael Quin, RMIT.

“Liquid metals allow us to move the chemical elements around in a more dynamic way that gets everything to the interface and enables more efficient reactions, ideal for catalysis,” said RMIT’s Professor Torben Daeneke.

“Copper and gallium separately had both been discounted as famously bad catalysts for ammonia production, yet together they do the job extremely well.”

Tests revealed gallium broke apart the nitrogen, while the presence of copper helped the splitting of hydrogen, combining to work as effectively as current approaches at a fraction of the cost, according to the scientists.

“We essentially found a way to take advantage of the synergy between the two metals, lifting their individual activity,” Daeneke said.

RMIT is now leading commercialisation of the technology, which is co-owned by RMIT and Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

The next challenge: upscaling for industry

While ammonia produced via the traditional Haber-Bosch process is only viable at huge facilities, the team’s alternative approach could suit both large-scale and smaller, decentralised production, where small amounts are made cheaply at solar farms. This in turn would slash transport costs and emissions.

Currently, the technology is yet to be proven beyond lab conditions, but the team plans to upscale their system and design it to operate at even lower pressures, making it more practical as a decentralised tool for a broader range of industries.

As well as producing ammonia for fertiliser, the technology could be a key enabler for the hydrogen industry, supporting the move away from fossil fuels.

“One good way to make hydrogen safer and easier to transport is to turn it into ammonia,” Daeneke explained.

“But if we use ammonia produced through current techniques as a hydrogen carrier, then emissions from the hydrogen industry could significantly increase global emissions.

“Our vision is to combine our green ammonia production technology with hydrogen technologies, allowing green energy to be shipped safely around the world without huge losses on the way,” he said.

“At this stage, we are really excited by the results and are keen to speak with potential partners interested in scaling this up for their industry.”

The research was supported by the Australian Research Council and the Australian Synchrotron (ANSTO). Analysis of molecular interactions was carried out at RMIT’s Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility, as well as QUT’s Central Analytical Research Facility, the Australian Synchrotron and via the NCI Australia supercomputing facility.

‘Unveiling metal mobility in liquid metal catalysts for ammonia synthesis’ has been published in Nature Catalysis.

Top image caption: Dr Ken Chiang, Dr Karma Zuraiqi and Professor Torben Daeneke. Image credit: Michael Quin, RMIT.

Pass over the stars to rate this post. Your opinion is always welcome.
[Total: 0 Average: 0]

You may also like…

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

Facing Climate Anxiety With Visual Comedy: ‘World Without End’ Graphic Artist Christophe Blain

Facing Climate Anxiety With Visual Comedy: ‘World Without End’ Graphic Artist Christophe Blain

Jean-Marc Jancovici is a well-known lecturer in France, and on YouTube, on the topics of energy and climate change. He focuses on the deep history and interconnections of the Earth’s consumption apparatus – how things are made, what things are made of, how energy is created, distributed and burned, and how the energy needs of […]
The post Facing Climate Anxiety With Visual Comedy: ‘World Without End’ Graphic Artist Christophe Blain appeared first on EcoWatch.

0 Comments