AI Insight
Researchers have developed computer models to identify catalysts that could make ammonia production more sustainable. Current ammonia production, used primarily for fertilizer manufacturing, consumes up to 2% of global energy and generates approximately 1.5% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. The computational approach aims to pinpoint alternative catalytic materials that could reduce the environmental impact of this essential chemical process.
Why it matters
Finding more sustainable ammonia production methods is critical for reducing global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining fertilizer supplies needed to feed the world's growing population. Computational modeling could accelerate the discovery of viable catalysts without extensive laboratory trial-and-error testing.
Understand the Science
Ammonia is one of the most important chemicals produced in the world, ranking second only to sulfuric acid in the total volume produced each year. It is used mostly to make fertilizer, which is essential to feeding the world’s population. Yet its production accounts for up to 2% of the world’s energy consumption and about 1.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, so the search has been underway for ways to produce ammonia more sustainably.
Source: Computer models pinpoint catalysts for replacing fossil-fueled ammonia production