Researchers achieve breakthrough in production of ammonia without CO2 emissions

The current ammonia production is mainly based on the Haber-Bosch process which takes place in a limited number of gigantic reactors. BASF  - The production of ammonia - a very important chemical building block as part of synthetic fertilisers, among other things - is one of the main sources of CO₂ emissions. By combining two different technologies, researchers from KU Leuven and the University of Antwerp have now discovered a CO₂-free alternative. This research has been made possible thanks to the Moonshot innovation programme of the Flemish Government. Ammonia is a basic substance within the chemical industry and has many applications, of which engineered fertilizers are the best-known example. The production of ammonia, however, is associated with a large amount of CO₂ emissions. Worldwide, two per cent of CO₂ emissions can be attributed to the production of ammonia.