Fixation of nitrogen from renewable resources using non-thermal plasma
A system that fixates nitrogen from air and water to produce nitrate-rich liquids using non-thermal plasma-assisted catalytic reactions.
Applications
- Liquid nitrogen fertilizer
Technology Overview
The Haber-Bosch industrial process, which produces the majority of nitrogen fertilizers, requires high energy consumption and significantly contributes to carbon emissions. As a result, environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to the Haber-Bosch process are in high demand. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a system that fixates nitrogen from air and water to produce nitrate-rich liquids using non-thermal plasma-assisted catalytic reactions. The resultant nitrate-rich liquid has potential to be used as a nitrogen fertilizer for agricultural applications. This innovative system uses renewable resources in an on-demand manner, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions from production and transportation.
Phase of Development
TRL: 3-4This system has been demonstrated to produce a lab scale of nitrate-rich liquids.
Desired Partnerships
This technology is now available for:- License
- Sponsored research
- Co-development
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Researchers
- Roger Ruan, PhD Professor, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering
- Paul Chen, PhD Research Professor, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering