A catalyst that greatly boosts ammonia conversion has the potential to enhance wastewater treatment, sustainable chemical production, and hydrogen generation.
A group of researchers has created a highly effective catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of ammonia conversion. This study, published in Advanced Energy Materials, showcases the catalyst’s ability to make notable progress in wastewater treatment, the production of green nitrite and nitrate, as well as hydrogen generation.
Catalysts are materials that accelerate chemical reactions by offering a more efficient pathway for the reaction to take place, making it easier to initiate and complete. Since catalysts remain unchanged and are not consumed in the reaction, they can be reused multiple times and play a crucial role in many industrial, environmental, and biochemical applications.
The research team, which included experts from Hokkaido University in Japan, the University of Technology Sydney in Australia, and other institutions, created the catalyst known as NiOOH-Ni by combining nickel (Ni) with nickel oxyhydroxide.
Excess ammonia can lead to serious environmental concerns, such as rampant algal blooms in bodies of water that deplete oxygen levels and endanger aquatic life. At high levels, ammonia poses risks to both human health and wildlife. Therefore, effectively managing and converting ammonia is vital, yet its corrosive characteristics make it challenging to handle.
The researchers produced NiOOH-Ni through an electrochemical process. They treated nickel foam, a porous substance, with an electrical current submerged in a chemical solution. This treatment created nickel oxyhydroxide particles on the foam’s surface. Even though these particles have an irregular and non-crystalline structure, they markedly improve ammonia conversion effectiveness. The unique design of the catalyst enables it to function efficiently at lower voltages and higher currents compared to conventional catalysts.
“NiOOH-Ni outperforms Ni foam, and the reaction pathway varies depending on the voltage applied,” states Professor Zhenguo Huang from the University of Technology Sydney, who spearheaded the study. “At lower voltages, NiOOH-Ni yields nitrite, whereas at higher voltages, it produces nitrate.”
This characteristic allows the catalyst to be utilized in various ways based on specific needs. For instance, it can aid in wastewater purification by transforming ammonia into less harmful compounds. Alternatively, it can also be employed to generate hydrogen gas, a clean energy source. This adaptability makes NiOOH-Ni a valuable tool for numerous applications.
“NiOOH-Ni exhibits remarkable durability and stability, maintaining its effectiveness even after repeated use,” indicates Associate Professor Andrey Lyalin from Hokkaido University, who participated in the study. “This positions it as an excellent alternative to traditional, costlier catalysts like platinum, which are less effective for ammonia conversion.”
The catalyst’s long-lasting reliability makes it ideal for extensive industrial applications, with the potential to revolutionize how industries manage wastewater and produce clean energy.
