(image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, March 25 (Korea Bizwire) — The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Thursday that it has developed a highly efficient electrochemical system that produces eco-friendly ammonia using nitric oxide.
Emissions of nitric oxide are strictly regulated since it not only causes respiratory diseases but also produces ozone in the atmosphere.
Selective catalytic reduction method that is a nitric oxide processing technology that requires the injection of urea water and an expensive metallic catalyst.
By using a cheap iron-based catalyst instead of an expensive metallic catalyst, the research team achieved a high electrochemical ammonia production speed under the condition of constant temperature and pressure.
Ammonia is seen as a next-generation eco-friendly fuel with a high commercialization potential since it generates no carbon dioxide when combusted.
The existing Haber-Bosch ammonia production process requires temperatures of 400 degrees Celsius and pressures of more than 200 bar.
In contrast, the newly-developed electrochemical system can operate under room temperature and pressure, thereby contributing to reducing the burden of costs and processing facilities.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
