Efficient Hydrogen and Ammonia Production via Process Intensification and Integration

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
OPEN 2018
Award:
$2,247,676
Location:
Golden, Colorado
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
07/12/2019 - 07/11/2024
Website:

Technology Description:

The Colorado School of Mines will develop a more efficient method for both the conversion of hydrogen and nitrogen to ammonia and the generation of high purity hydrogen from ammonia for fuel cell fueling stations. Composed of 17.6% hydrogen by mass, ammonia also has potential as a hydrogen carrier and carbon-free fuel. The team will develop a new technology to generate fuel cell-quality hydrogen from ammonia using a membrane based reactor. In addition, similar catalytic membrane reactor technology will be developed for synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen at reduced pressure and temperature. This is aided by selective removal of ammonia, which enables equilibrium limitations to be surpassed, a fundamental constraint in conventional Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis.

Potential Impact:

The proposed technology would serve as bridge to a renewable future, meeting demand while enabling major reductions in energy requirements and carbon footprint.

Security:

This project ensures that the U.S. maintains a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies.

Environment:

The proposed catalytic membrane reactor technology will integrate synthesis and purification to help recoup energy losses during ammonia production for a more efficient system. Generation of hydrogen for fuel cells will enable emission-free transportation.

Economy:

This technology would enable distributed production of ammonia, reducing storage concerns and transportation costs.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Jack Lewnard
Project Contact:
Dr. Colin Wolden
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
cwolden@mines.edu

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Release Date:
12/13/2017