Australian researchers have pioneered a low-cost and scalable plasma-based method to produce ammonia gas directly from air, offering a green alternative to the traditional fossil fuel-dependent Haber-Bosch process.

Australian scientists have developed a new method to produce ammonia gas from air using artificial lightning, presenting a breakthrough in green ammonia production that is both decentralized and scalable.

The University of Sydney team created a more efficient plasma-based process to produce ammonia directly in its gaseous form, bypassing older methods that first yielded ammonium in solution and required extra steps and energy for conversion.

"In this research, we've successfully developed a method that allows air to be converted to ammonia in its gaseous form using electricity," said Professor PJ Cullen, the study's lead researcher.

Ammonia is traditionally produced through the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, invented in the 19th century, which relies heavily on fossil fuels. The new approach excites nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air using electricity, mimicking artificial lightning. These excited molecules are then passed to a membrane-based electrolyser to convert them into ammonia gas.

The research, published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition under the German Chemical Society, highlights the potential for a decentralized ammonia production model, reducing dependence on large fossil fuel-based facilities.

Researchers emphasised that their plasma-electrolysis process is already energy efficient and scalable, with further improvements underway to enhance its performance and broaden its application in the global transition to green fertilisers and fuels.

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