This enables for the production of high-purity hydrogen that fulfills worldwide standards for hydrogen-powered vehicles, without the carbon dioxide emissions produced by using fossil fuels.Ammonia, a compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, has a hydrogen storage density 1.7 times higher than that of melted hydrogen, and it is gaining attention as the most affordable method for transferring hydrogen. Credit: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchThe Process of Clean Hydrogen ProductionAmmonia consists just of hydrogen and nitrogen, so no carbon is released when the hydrogen is separated. To produce clean hydrogen, a carbon-free energy source must be used, even in the process of decomposing ammonia.By using the little quantities of hydrogen and ammonia left over from the decay response, the scientists were able to produce hydrogen without the usage of fossil fuels.Researchers Jung Unho, Koo Kee Young, Park Youngha from the. Credit: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchTo create pure hydrogen from ammonia, the decay of ammonia is carried out at a temperature above 600 ℃ utilizing a ruthenium (Ru) catalyst, followed by the filtration of hydrogen through pressure swing adsorption (PSA) innovation.
Scientists have actually introduced a novel innovation for producing clean hydrogen from ammonia without fossil fuels, providing an environmentally friendly option for hydrogen-powered lorries and promising applications in sustainable energy and transport. This image depicts the 1st Carbon-free Ammonia Decomposition Reactor. Credit: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchThe KIER has actually accomplished a historic turning point in Korea by successfully producing hydrogen of extraordinary purity from ammonia, completely removing co2 emissions in the process.Dr. Jung Unhos research group at the Hydrogen Research Department of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has developed Koreas very first clean hydrogen production technology. This ingenious method is based on ammonia decay and does not utilize fossil fuels. The teams breakthrough could lead the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy source. This enables for the production of high-purity hydrogen that satisfies worldwide requirements for hydrogen-powered cars, without the co2 emissions produced by utilizing fossil fuels.Ammonia, a substance of hydrogen and nitrogen, has a hydrogen storage density 1.7 times greater than that of liquefied hydrogen, and it is getting attention as the most affordable approach for carrying hydrogen. In particular, as it has been utilized in different fields such as fertilizer for over 100 years, it is geared up with infrastructure, handling, and safety standards. It is considered the most useful option to address hydrogen storage and transportation challenges.Basic principles of ammonia-based carbon-free hydrogen production innovation (above). Comparison of existing technology and KIER innovation (listed below). Credit: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchThe Process of Clean Hydrogen ProductionAmmonia consists only of hydrogen and nitrogen, so no carbon is discharged when the hydrogen is separated. The decomposition procedure needs a supply of heat of over 600 ℃, and presently, nonrenewable fuel sources are utilized, leading to the emission of carbon dioxide. To produce tidy hydrogen, a carbon-free energy source must be used, even in the process of decomposing ammonia.By using the little amounts of hydrogen and ammonia left over from the decomposition response, the scientists were able to produce hydrogen without the usage of fossil fuels.Researchers Jung Unho, Koo Kee Young, Park Youngha from the. Credit: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchTo generate pure hydrogen from ammonia, the decay of ammonia is performed at a temperature above 600 ℃ utilizing a ruthenium (Ru) catalyst, followed by the filtration of hydrogen through pressure swing adsorption (PSA) innovation. While bring out this method, a recurring gas mix of nitrogen and hydrogen is formed and repurposed as a heating component for the ammonia decay reactor. Despite this, the recurring gas alone does not provide enough heat of response, for that reason extra heat needs to be added.Overcoming Challenges with Innovative SolutionsIn the case of existing technology, inadequate heat of reaction are supplemented with fossil fuels such as gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), so co2 is discharged during combustion. However, using the system developed this time, by providing ammonia rather of fossil fuels, the heat of response can be supplied and carbon dioxide emissions can be blocked at the source.Using the industrialized system, high-purity hydrogen of more than 99.97%, which can be provided to fuel cells for hydrogen electrical automobiles, is produced at 5Nm3 (roughly 0.45 kg) per hour. In addition, the hydrogen produced has a pollutant concentration of less than 300ppm for nitrogen and less than 0.1 ppm for ammonia. It satisfied ISO 14687, the worldwide requirement for hydrogen-fueled electrical vehicles.Ammonia-based hydrogen production system with 1 kW class PEMFC. Credit: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchThe research team has actually reached a significant turning point by showing a 1kW fuel cell system for buildings that generates electrical energy without discharging carbon dioxide, utilizing hydrogen extracted from ammonia. This demonstration, conducted in collaboration with Doosan Fuel Cell Power BU (Business Unit), is of terrific significance as it gets rid of the concern of co2 emissions, which has actually been considered a drawback of natural gas (LNG) based fuel cell systems. It shows the potential to produce power using tidy hydrogen fuel cells.According to lead scientist Dr. Jung Unho, the freshly established technology holds great significance as it permits carbon-free hydrogen production utilizing ammonia, filling a previous space in this area. There is an expectation that it will find practicality in diverse areas that use tidy hydrogen. In his remarks, he went on to say, “The combining of ammonia and fuel cells presents a practical alternative for powering eco-ships. And as we scale up, we can also make a substantial impact in the clean hydrogen power sector.”Meanwhile, this research was carried out with the assistance of Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (KOSPO).