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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
08:14
Ammonia Synthesis at Low Pressure
Published on: August 23, 2017
Plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis utilizing water as a hydrogen source: progress, challenges, and prospects
Hongjun Li1,2, Qian Xiao1,2, Di Li1,2
1state Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China. jqi@ipe.ac.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 8, 2026
Summary
Plasma-based ammonia synthesis using water offers a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. This greener method utilizes non-thermal plasma for nitrogen fixation, reducing costs and enhancing safety.
Area of Science:
- Green chemistry and sustainable energy solutions.
- Chemical engineering and materials science.
- Plasma physics and catalysis.
Background:
- Ammonia is crucial for fertilizers and hydrogen storage.
- Traditional Haber-Bosch process is energy-intensive and unsustainable.
- Need for alternative, eco-friendly ammonia synthesis methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review plasma-based ammonia synthesis using water as a hydrogen source.
- Explore non-thermal plasma technologies for nitrogen fixation.
- Identify challenges and propose strategies for efficient synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Summarize dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), sliding arc, and plasma jet reactors.
- Analyze plasma-induced nitrogen activation mechanisms.
- Discuss catalyst development and reactor optimization strategies.
Main Results:
- Plasma technology enables ammonia synthesis under mild conditions using water.
- Various plasma reactor designs show potential for nitrogen fixation.
- Challenges include low selectivity and by-product formation.
Conclusions:
- Plasma-based ammonia synthesis with water is a promising sustainable alternative.
- Advanced catalysts and reactor integration are key to improving efficiency.
- Further research is needed for industrial scale-up and economic viability.
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