Thermocatalytic ammonia synthesis beyond conventional Haber-Bosch: Principles, advances, challenges and opportunities

IF 41.3 1区工程技术 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Progress in Energy and Combustion Science Pub Date : 2026-01-01 Epub Date: 2025-11-08 DOI:10.1016/j.pecs.2025.101262

Tianbao Gu , Matej Huš , Samuel Simon Araya , Blaž Likozar , Fausto Gallucci , Vincenzo Liso

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Transforming ammonia (NH₃) synthesis from the energy-intensive, fossil-fuel-dependent conventional Haber-Bosch (HB) process to a flexible, green hydrogen-based process is pivotal for decarbonization and enabling NH₃ utilization in the energy sector. The conventional HB process, operating under high temperature and pressure, is incompatible with green hydrogen systems and economically unviable for downscaled NH₃ production integrated with intermittent renewable energies . Therefore, developing alternatives capable of synthesizing NH₃ under moderate conditions is crucial for achieving green NH₃ production. This necessity has driven the development of a range of emerging technologies, including thermocatalytic, electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and plasma-assisted processes, amongst which thermocatalysis stands out in terms of production rate, technology readiness, and economic feasibility, demonstrating the greatest potential for NH₃ synthesis transformation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advanced thermocatalytic NH₃ synthesis beyond conventional HB process and the system integration with renewable sources. It highlights key limitations and advances in implementing new materials and auxiliary techniques, outlining the challenges and mitigation strategies for achieving high NH₃ productivity under mild conditions. Alongside multiscale modeling studies, the review covers catalyst development, reactor intensification, process integration, and system evaluation, examining progress and conducting meta-analysis in reaction mechanisms, emerging separation technologies, and system integration. Scientific obstacles, economic analysis, and environmental impacts are thoroughly discussed, offering state-of-the-art insights into mild NH₃ synthesis from fundamental research to practical applications. Additionally, recent industrial projects of green NH₃ production are summarized, showcasing scalability and commercial viability. Finally, the remaining challenges and opportunities in advanced thermocatalytic NH₃ synthesis are outlined, identifying future research frontiers.

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热催化合成氨超越传统的哈伯-博世：原理，进展，挑战和机遇

将氨（NH3）合成从能源密集型、依赖化石燃料的传统Haber-Bosch （HB）工艺转变为灵活的绿色氢基工艺，对于脱碳和实现NH3在能源部门的利用至关重要。传统的HB工艺在高温高压下运行，与绿色氢系统不相容，并且在经济上不适合与间歇性可再生能源相结合的小规模NH3生产。因此，开发能够在中等条件下合成NH3的替代品是实现绿色NH3生产的关键。这种需求推动了一系列新兴技术的发展，包括热催化、电催化、光催化和等离子体辅助工艺，其中热催化在生产率、技术成熟度和经济可行性方面表现突出，显示了NH3合成转化的最大潜力。本文综述了超越传统HB工艺的先进热催化NH3合成技术以及与可再生能源的系统集成。它强调了在实施新材料和辅助技术方面的主要限制和进展，概述了在温和条件下实现高NH3生产率的挑战和缓解战略。除了多尺度建模研究外，该综述还涵盖了催化剂开发，反应器强化，过程集成和系统评估，检查进展并在反应机制，新兴分离技术和系统集成方面进行元分析。深入讨论了科学障碍、经济分析和环境影响，从基础研究到实际应用，为温和NH3合成提供了最新的见解。此外，总结了最近的绿色NH3生产工业项目，展示了可扩展性和商业可行性。最后，概述了先进热催化NH3合成的挑战和机遇，并确定了未来的研究前沿。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Progress in Energy and Combustion Science 工程技术-工程：化工

CiteScore

59.30

自引率

0.70%

发文量

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： Progress in Energy and Combustion Science (PECS) publishes review articles covering all aspects of energy and combustion science. These articles offer a comprehensive, in-depth overview, evaluation, and discussion of specific topics. Given the importance of climate change and energy conservation, efficient combustion of fossil fuels and the development of sustainable energy systems are emphasized. Environmental protection requires limiting pollutants, including greenhouse gases, emitted from combustion and other energy-intensive systems. Additionally, combustion plays a vital role in process technology and materials science. PECS features articles authored by internationally recognized experts in combustion, flames, fuel science and technology, and sustainable energy solutions. Each volume includes specially commissioned review articles providing orderly and concise surveys and scientific discussions on various aspects of combustion and energy. While not overly lengthy, these articles allow authors to thoroughly and comprehensively explore their subjects. They serve as valuable resources for researchers seeking knowledge beyond their own fields and for students and engineers in government and industrial research seeking comprehensive reviews and practical solutions.