SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AMMONIA SYNTHESIS
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
1 . A method of synthesizing ammonia comprising reacting a supply of nitrogen gas in the presence of nano-sized metal catalyst particles disposed on a ferrous support and in the presence of a nano-sized promoter.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the metal catalyst comprises an oxide layer.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the promoter comprises molecules from Groups 1, 2, 6, 9, 13, 14 and/or the lanthanide series on the periodic table.
4 . An ammonia synthesis reactor comprising:
nano-sized iron catalyst particles and a nano-sized promoter disposed on a ferrous support material within the reactor;
at least one inlet configured to introduce hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas to the nano-sized metal catalyst particles; and
at least one outlet configured to remove ammonia gas generated in the presence of the nano-sized metal catalyst particles, wherein the reactor is configured to operate at a pressure less than about 500 atm.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the metal catalyst comprises an oxide layer.
6 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the promoter comprises molecules from Groups 1, 2, 6, 9, 13, 14 and/or the lanthanide series on the periodic table.