Utilization of carbon dioxide and nitrate to produce sodium bicarbonate through a nitrate hydrogenation method

Sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ), known as soda ash, is used in various industrial processes such as glass making, detergent, metallurgy, and water treatment, which is produced from salt brine (NaCl) and limestone (CaCO 3 ) in the presence of ammonia by the Solvay process. Although the Solvay process is fully optimized, it requires large amounts of energy, generates significant CO 2 emissions, and produces undesirable byproducts. Here we describe a catalytic strategy that can address the energy and environmental challenges facing the Solvay process. The hydrogen-bearing H x RuO 2 catalyst selectively hydrogenates nitrate to ammonia, facilitating the conversion of CO 2 into sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) through mineralization and yielding valuable ammonium bicarbonate (NH 4 HCO 3 ). We also report on the techno economic analysis and life cycle assessment of the catalytic process compared to the Solvay process via rigorous commercial-scale process design and thereby propose a clear solution to mitigating CO 2 emission, reducing energy consumption, and alleviating the environmental threat without loss of economic feasibility. The newly developed catalytic route might offer a promising alternative process to produce soda ash via an atom economic synthetic route. • NaHCO 3 is produced from nitrate and CO 2 through nitrate hydrogenation. • H x RuO 2 serves as a selective catalyst for converting nitrate to ammonia. • The H x RuO 2 catalyst demonstrates stability in alkaline conditions and is recyclable. • Techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment provide valuable economic insights. • Catalytic synthesis of NaHCO 3 offers a sustainable method for soda ash production.