摘要
Recently,the plasma-driven air oxidation coupled with electrocatalytic NO_(x)reduction reaction(pAO-eNO_(x)RR)technology for sustained NH_(3)synthesis displays the promise in tackling the high energy-consumption and carbon-emission associated with the Haber-Bosch process.Here,a technical and economic assessment of pAO-eNO_(x)RR technology is comprehensively undertaken to determine its feasibility as a potential substitute for the Haber-Bosch process.The technical assessment suggests that,in terms of both environmental impact and energy efficiency,N_(2)-NO-NH_(3)and N_(2)-NO_(2)^(-)-NH_(3)are presently the most effective pathways.The deep analysis of the current state-of-the-art technological performance indicates that the pAO-eNO_(x)RR technology is competitive with commercial processes in achieving large-scale NH_(3)synthesis.However,lower energy efficiency of pAO-eNO_(x)RR technology leads to high electricity costs that surpass the current market price of NH_(3).Subsequently,we conducted a comprehensive analysis which reveals that,for the economic viability of NH_(3)synthesis,an energy efficiency in the range of 33.8–38.6%must be attained.The expenses associated with plasma equipment,electrolyzer,catalysts,and NH_(3)distillation also contribute significantly to the economic burden.The further development of pAO-eNO_(x)RR technology should be centered around advancements in plasma catalysts,electrocatalysts,reactors,as well as the exploration for energy-efficient cathode-anode synergistic catalytic systems.
基金
supported by the National Key R&D Project of China(Grant No.2020YFA0710000)
National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.22225606,22176029)
Science and Technology Project of Sichuan Province(2025NSFTD0003,2024YFHZ0222).
