Sustainable ammonia production routes and barriers: A critical review
Hamid Reza Rahimpour, Babak Mokhtarani, Ali Salehabadi, Jafar Zanganeh, Behdad Moghtaderi
Abstract
The integration of renewable energy resources into ammonia (NH 3 ) production offers a promising pathway toward environmentally friendly and sustainable NH 3 synthesis processes. This study examines the advantages and challenges associated with established and emerging NH 3 production technologies to identify a sustainable NH 3 production technique. It begins with an exploration of sustainable nitrogen (N 2 ) separation methods (i.e., PSA) and hydrogen (H 2 ) production methods (i.e., electrolyser), as feedstock for green NH 3 synthesis, followed by several routes for NH 3 production technologies. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges are discussed with an emphasis on technological limitations, highlighting chemical looping ammonia production (CLAP) as a promising approach, offering potential reductions in both operating pressure and temperature, which could enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this process. Finally, the potential of the CLAP to either replace or integrate with the traditional Haber-Bosch (HB) technique is examined, along with its benefits and drawbacks. • Chemical Looping Ammonia Production (CLAP) is a promising method that may lower both pressure and temperature requirements. • The integration of renewable energy sources with ammonia production processes will accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future. • CLAP can replace or integrate with Haber-Bosch, providing a less energy-intensive, cost-effective alternative for ammonia production.