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Device uses wind to create ammonia out of air

(spectrum.ieee.org)
147 points rbanffy | 2 comments | 16 Jan 25 14:43 UTC | HN request time: 0.441s | source
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einpoklum ◴[16 Jan 25 16:09 UTC] No.42727177[source]▶
"Researchers produce NH_3 fuel from N-gas-compound with H_2O vapor"

Doesn't sound so exciting.

But, sniping aside - is there a potential for cheap enough production in abundant enough amounts to use safely in machine engines? Or as grid-level storage medium for solar energy? The very transformation is neat, but the application is what would be interesting.

replies(1): >>42727221 #
1. pjc50 ◴[16 Jan 25 16:12 UTC] No.42727221[source]▶
> produce NH_3 fuel from N-gas-compound with H_2O vapor

At room temperature! That's the interesting bit.

replies(1): >>42727548 #
2. adrian_b ◴[16 Jan 25 16:36 UTC] No.42727548[source]▶
In TFA the alternative methods for making ammonia are mentioned.

One such method, which already works at room temperature for combining hydrogen with nitrogen into ammonia, uses electricity together with a platinum-gold catalyst and it has a 13% energetic efficiency.

The methods described here uses cheaper materials and the authors hope that some time in the future it might reach a better energetic efficiency.