Developing low-temperature ammonia decomposition catalysts
Project lead
Alex Ilyushechkin, Alex.Ilyushechkin@csiro.au
Lead researchers
Challenge
CSIRO Energy has developed metal membrane hydrogen separation technology which is currently applied for hydrogen separation from nitrogen and ammonia consequent to catalytic ammonia cracking. Previous experience in testing of ammonia cracking /hydrogen separation rig demonstrated the importance of robust, stable catalysts able to stably operate at the conditions compatible with the operation of the membrane reactor. These include temperature/pressure/atmosphere while being compatible with the reactor materials.
Commercially, catalysts for lower temperature ammonia cracking contain noble metals such as Pt, Pd, Ru, and Rh and these are incorporated into porous alumina or silica supports. They exhibit high catalytic activity and low activation energy; however, their high costs and low availability limit their use in commercial applications to a great extent.
What we are doing
In the present project, the carbon monoliths produced by the CSIRO Mineral Resources team will be used as a matrix (support) structure to enhance the performance of ammonia cracking catalyst at least by one of the following improvements:
- Increase catalytic activity of loaded catalyst by optimising catalyst distribution on the monolith, and developing processes for effectively activating the catalyst.
- Reduce operating temperature for particularly low-cost catalysts.
- Minimise catalyst degradation and increase catalyst lifetime.
- Reduce the noble metal catalyst loading (mg catalyst per kg hydrogen produced).
Outcomes to date
Lessons learned
Project finish date
December 2023