Photo-thermal ammonia decomposition

R&D Focus Areas:
Photochemical and photocatalytic processes, Ammonia, Nanomaterials

Lead Organisation:
University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Partners:
Not applicable

Status:
Active

Start date:
May 2023

Completion date:
May 2026

Key contacts:
Chief investigator – Emma Lovell: e.lovell@unsw.edu.au

Funding:
Australian Research Council

Project total cost:
AUD$397,613

Project summary description:
This project aims to develop of novel catalysts targeted to utilise light and heat for the photo-thermal decomposition of ammonia to produce hydrogen and generate new understanding on the role of light in thermal catalytic reactions. The emergence of the hydrogen economy has resulted in the urgent need for safe and efficient hydrogen transport and storage vectors.

Ammonia, a hydrogen carrier, is being increasingly considered as a potential key to facilitate the hydrogen economy due to its relative ease of storage. The development of catalysts tailored toward capturing light for ammonia decomposition will enable a new potential pathway for the hydrogen economy, with ammonia as a hydrogen vector.

Related publications and key links:
None at this stage.

Higher degree studies supported:
One higher degree researcher supported currently. One undergraduate honours student involved.

 

Reviewed: August 2024