Techno-economic assessment of plasma-driven air oxidation coupled with electroreduction synthesis of ammonia

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. Schematic diagram of plasma-driven air oxidation coupled with electrocatalytic NO x reduction reaction technology for sustained NH 3 synthesis. • The pAO-eNO x RR technology displays the promise for sustained NH 3 synthesis. • The pAO-eNO x RR technology is competitive with commercial processes in achieving large-scale NH 3 synthesis. • The following objective is to decrease the energy consumption in the pAO-NO x RR to 1.5 MJ mol N −1 . • Progresses in plasma catalysts, electrocatalysts, reactors, and cathode-anode systems will promote the pAO-eNO x RR technology.