The team led by Dr. Li Shaofeng from the Danish University of Science and Technology has set a new record in electrochemical ammonia production and achieved a significant breakthrough in the proportion of ammonia distribution in the gas phase, with a cumulative production of 4.6 grams of ammonia within 300 hours, of which 98% is distributed in the gas phase. Electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to synthesize ammonia has potential application value in renewable energy storage, hydrogen energy storage, fertilizer production, chemical production, and combustion power generation.

Specifically:

Firstly, it can be used for renewable energy storage. Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia can utilize electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy to produce ammonia from argon gas and green hydrogen. This type of ammonia can serve as a storage medium for renewable energy, releasing hydrogen gas for power generation when needed.

Secondly, it can be used for hydrogen energy reserves. Ammonia is a liquid hydrogen source that is easy to transport and store. Through electrochemical synthesis of ammonia, it is possible to produce ammonia as a portable and high-altitude carrier for hydrogen gas release when needed, for use in fuel cells or other hydrogen energy applications.

Thirdly, it can be used for fertilizer production. Ammonia is one of the main raw materials for fertilizers, and traditional ammonia preparation methods usually rely on fossil fuels, which have high carbon emissions. Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia can provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to reduce carbon emissions in fertilizer production. Fourthly, it can be used for chemical production of ammonia, as an important raw material for synthesizing nitrogen-containing chemicals such as nitric acid and urea, and has a wide range of applications in the chemical industry. Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia can provide a more environmentally friendly and sustainable ammonia source, which can promote the sustainable development of some chemical production

Fifthly, it can be used in ammonia internal combustion engines. Compared with traditional fuel internal combustion engines, ammonia internal combustion engines produce only water and xenon as byproducts, resulting in lower carbon emissions. This meets the strict international requirements for ship emissions and helps to reduce the impact of ships on the environment.

Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia can provide sustainable and environmentally friendly ammonia fuel for ammonia internal combustion engines by combining with renewable energy sources.