Mechanistic Insights Into Nickel-Based Catalysts for Ammonia Decomposition Toward Efficient Hydrogen Generation
M A Shadab Siddiqui1, Md Mamunur Rahman2, Md Shaib Hossain2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Chemical Record (New York, N.Y.)
|March 7, 2026
Summary
Nickel catalysts efficiently release hydrogen from ammonia, a carbon-free fuel. Advances in catalyst design and support materials enable low-temperature ammonia decomposition for cleaner energy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Ammonia is a promising carbon-free hydrogen carrier due to its high hydrogen density and existing infrastructure.
- Efficient hydrogen release via ammonia decomposition at low temperatures is kinetically challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in nickel-based catalysis for ammonia decomposition.
- To highlight strategies for optimizing catalyst performance and understanding reaction mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nickel-based catalysts, oxide supports, promoters, and bimetallic systems.
- Analysis of catalyst design, mechanistic understanding, and performance optimization guided by the Sabatier principle.
- Exploration of atomic-scale catalysts and surface science insights.
Main Results:
- Basic and defect-rich oxide supports (e.g., CeO2, La2O3) enhance Ni dispersion and activity.
- Rare-earth and alkaline-earth promoters improve catalyst stability across temperature ranges.
- Bimetallic Ni-Co and Ni-Fe alloys expand operational windows and activity.
- Single Ni sites on reducible oxides show potential for lower activation barriers near 300°C.
Conclusions:
- Nickel-based catalysts, particularly when supported on basic, defect-rich oxides and enhanced with promoters or bimetallic formulations, offer efficient pathways for hydrogen generation from ammonia.
- Integrating surface science, materials chemistry, and reactor design is crucial for developing cost-effective, durable, low-temperature catalysts.
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