Ammonia Is Promising for Energy Storage
Ammonia is a promising energy carrier for long-term and large-scale energy storage due to its high hydrogen content, high energy density, facile storage/transportation, and zero-carbon emission.
Therefore, the synthesis, storage, and utilization of ammonia are key components for the implementation of ammonia-mediated energy system.
Recently, a research team led by Prof. CHEN Ping and Prof. GUO Jianping from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reviewed the progress of emerging materials and methods toward ammonia-based energy.
This article was published in Advanced Materials on April 8.
A schematic diagram showing methods and materials demanded for ammonia-based energy (Image by GAO Wenbo)
The researchers summarized recent advances in the thermal-, electro-, plasma-, and photocatalytic ammonia synthesis, ammonia storage or separation, ammonia thermal/ electrochemical decomposition and conversion. They emphasized on the latest developments of new methods and materials for these processes.
Furthermore, they discussed the challenges and potential solutions of ammonia synthesis, separation and utilization. And provided some perspectives for the future research on ammonia for energy storage.
"In order to achieve green ammonia production and high-efficiency ammonia utilization, we should develop novel ammonia synthesis catalysts and methods, as well as new technologies for the conversion of ammonia to H2, electricity, or power," said Prof. CHEN.
"Last but not the least, more attention should be made to ammonia separation, storage, and removal," said Prof. GUO.
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of Chinese Academy of Sciences. (Text by GAO Wenbo)
