Method and Apparatus for the Synthesis of Ammonia

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The patent describes a process and apparatus for synthesizing ammonia using a novel electrochemical system. This system employs a main electrochemical cell and an upstream preliminary cell, separating water and air into their components using specially designed catalysts and membranes. Nitrogen for ammonia synthesis is generated directly from air without requiring separate, energy-intensive nitrogen extraction processes. The apparatus can be operated at ambient temperature and pressure and is suitable to be powered by renewable energy, such as solar power, making the ammonia production process more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to the traditional Haber-Bosch process.

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• Sustainable, decentralized production of ammonia fertilizer on-site at farms or remote locations.
• Industrial-scale ammonia production with significantly reduced carbon emissions.
• Ammonia synthesis in areas with access to renewable energy but lacking infrastructure for large plants.
• On-demand ammonia production for fuel applications (hydrogen carrier) or energy storage.
• Production of ammonia for use in refrigeration, explosives, or pharmaceuticals without creating large CO2 footprints.

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• Eliminates the need for high-pressure, high-temperature conditions as in Haber-Bosch, enabling safer and smaller-scale operations.
• Reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions by directly utilizing air and water as starting materials.
• Removes the requirement for separate nitrogen extraction, simplifying the process and reducing cost.
• Process is compatible with renewable energy sources (solar, wind), promoting environmental sustainability.
• Apparatus can be modular and scaled to suit various production needs, from small-scale on-farm to industrial plants.
• Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and centralized chemical plants, increasing energy and food security.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for synthesis of ammonia in which – an electrochemical main cell (2) is provided, – an electrochemical preliminary cell (3) upstream of the main cell (2) is provided, – a voltage is applied between the anode (5) and cathode (7) of the preliminary cell (3) and between the anode (5) and the cathode (7) of the main cell (2), – the anodic half-cell (4) of the preliminary cell (3) is supplied with water, and the cathodic half-cell (6) of the preliminary cell (3) with nitrogen and oxygen, – oxygen is obtained in the anodic half-cell (4) of the preliminary cell (3), and nitrogen and water are obtained in the cathodic half-cell (6) of the preliminary cell (3), – the anodic half-cell (4) of the main cell (2) is supplied with water, and the cathodic half-cell (6) of the main cell (2) with nitrogen that has been obtained in the cathodic half-cell (6) of the preliminary cell (3), and – oxygen is obtained in the anodic half-cell (4) of the main cell (2), and ammonia in the cathodic half-cell (6) of the main cell (2). The invention further relates to an apparatus (1) for synthesis of ammonia.