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SNU researchers enhance ammonia selectivity by controlling molecular arrangement: Suppressing hydrogen while preserving nitrogen reduction

SNU researchers developed a new catalyst design principle that selectively suppresses hydrogen evolution while maintaining nitrogen reduction activity. The approach increased Faradaic efficiency to nearly 100% and enables localized production of eco-friendly ammonia near renewable energy sources.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2026

Solar-driven ammonia production

Scientists at TU Wien have designed a new sustainable route to ammonia synthesis using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts. By tuning the MOF structures, they can modulate their catalytic performance, providing valuable insights into more efficient and sustainable ammonia-production technologies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Paving the way for zero-carbon shipping: Novel ammonia engine combustion mode cuts greenhouse gases by over 70%

A breakthrough solution has been unveiled for decarbonizing the transportation sector, particularly heavy-duty marine shipping. The Ammonia Thermal Atmosphere Compression Ignition (TACI) combustion mode achieves highly efficient, stable and clean ammonia diffusion combustion under mild operating conditions.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalENGINEERING Energy·TypeNews article·DateMay 19, 2026

Y-doped catalyst transforms ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy

A new Y-doped catalyst has been developed to efficiently transform ammonia into sustainable hydrogen energy, enabling a cleaner energy future. The catalyst, composed of nickel and yttrium, improves the performance of the ammonia decomposition reaction, overcoming issues of intrinsic activity and energy barriers.

Researchers realize ammonia synthesis at metallic Li/Ru interface under ambient conditions

A team of researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics developed a novel catalyst enabling thermocatalytic conversion of N2 and H2 to NH3 at room temperature and ambient pressure. The Li/Ru interface exhibits a synergetic effect promoting N2 activation and hydrogenation steps.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2026

Scientists reveal major hidden source of atmospheric nitrogen pollution in fragile lake basin

A new study reveals that the Erhai Lake Basin in southwest China is releasing far more atmospheric nitrogen pollution than it absorbs, threatening regional air quality and ecosystem health. The imbalance creates a net surplus of over 8,200 metric tons annually, making the basin a major source of atmospheric nitrogen pollution.

New study improves accuracy in tracking ammonia pollution sources

Researchers have developed a more reliable method for measuring natural nitrogen isotope signatures of atmospheric ammonia, allowing for stronger tools to trace pollution sources and improve air quality management. The new approach uses sulfuric acid absorption, achieving higher ammonia recovery rates and stable isotope measurements.

Copper-palladium hydride interfaces enable highly efficient electrochemical ammonia synthesis

Researchers developed a copper-palladium bimetallic catalyst that produces high-quality ammonia through an electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction. The catalyst's dynamic Cu-PdH x interface sites exhibit superior intrinsic activity, achieving remarkable production rates and durability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 13, 2026

Using AI to optimize hydrogen fuel production and reduce environmental impact: Worcester Polytechnic Institute research published in Nature Chemical Engineering

A team of researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute has developed a new approach to producing hydrogen using plasma technology and metal alloys. The method reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly and potentially affordable.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2025

An energy-efficient method to convert water pollutants into useful ammonia

A research team at Tohoku University has developed a new method to convert harmful nitrate pollutants in water into ammonia using NiCuFe-layered double hydroxide catalysts. The study achieved a Faradaic efficiency of 94.8% and demonstrated the efficacy of the process in real-world applications.

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently

A new way to produce ammonia more efficiently has been discovered by boosting its production using low-temperature plasma. This method could create ammonia in smaller facilities closer to where it is needed, making it safer and easier to transport, and potentially leading to a transformative change in energy storage and transportation.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateSep 16, 2025

More hydrogen, more ammonia, more fertilizer, all using less energy

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 21, 2025

New way to produce nitric oxide on-demand

Researchers have developed new artificial nitrite reductases that can precisely generate nitric oxide under conditions relevant to medicine, food safety, and environmental protection. These synthetic catalysts promise low-cost supplements for hypertension or ischemia and precise antibiofilm treatments.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 14, 2025

Using lightning to make ammonia out of thin air

University of Sydney researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia in gas form using electricity, offering a more sustainable alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process. This new approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a promising solution for the agricultural and hydrogen industries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2025

Green ammonia powered by sunlight

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully produced green ammonia using sunlight and atmospheric nitrogen, mirroring natural processes found in plants. The process uses two catalysts, one based on molybdenum and another on iridium, to activate water molecules and produce ammonia.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2025

Researchers achieve electrosynthesis of ammonia from NO in pressurized electrolyzer

A research group from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics achieves electrosynthesis of ammonia from NO in a pressurized electrolyzer with ampere-level current density and long-term stability. The method uses an in situ-grown hierarchical porous copper nanowire array electrode to regulate the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reaction.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 11, 2025

New device produces critical fertilizer ingredient from thin air, cutting carbon emissions

Researchers at Stanford University developed a prototype device that can produce ammonia from water vapor and nitrogen in the air using wind energy. The technology has the potential to eliminate the need for a century-old method of producing ammonia, which consumes 2% of global energy and contributes 1% of annual carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 13, 2024

New insights into ammonia decomposition

Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum have gained new insights into the operation of an iron catalyst that can split ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen. The team's findings enable more efficient catalysts for ammonia decomposition, paving the way for a promising energy carrier transport solution.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateOct 8, 2024

Low-carbon ammonia offers green alternative for agriculture and hydrogen transport

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a low-carbon approach to producing ammonia, which is used in fertilizers and as a carrier for hydrogen. The new method uses liquid metal catalysts, reducing energy consumption by 20% and carbon emissions by 98%. This could significantly reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and sup...

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Rice-built reactor yields green ammonia and purified water

A Rice-built reactor system can convert nitrates into green ammonia and purified water, decarbonizing ammonia production and treating nitrate-contaminated water. The innovative three-chamber system uses recyclable ions to improve reaction efficiency and eliminates the need for high concentrations of supporting electrolytes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 12, 2024