The world is on the cusp of a revolution in agriculture and industry, thanks to a groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of Sydney. By harnessing the power of human-made lightning, they have developed a more efficient method for generating ammonia – one of the most important chemicals used in fertilizers that account for almost half of all global food production.

Traditionally, ammonia has been produced through the Haber-Bosch process, which requires large amounts of energy and relies on fossil fuels. This not only leaves a huge carbon footprint but also necessitates centralized production and long-distance transportation of the product. In contrast, the new method developed by Professor PJ Cullen and his team is a game-changer.

The plasma-based electrolysis system uses electricity to excite nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air, which are then converted into ammonia gas through a membrane-based electrolyser. This two-step process has shown promising results, with the researchers successfully producing gaseous ammonia – a major breakthrough that opens up new possibilities for sustainable fertilizers.

The implications of this discovery are vast. Ammonia is not only essential for agriculture but also holds potential as a carbon-free fuel source and an effective means of storing and transporting hydrogen. The shipping industry has taken notice, recognizing the potential of ammonia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As the world grapples with climate change and sustainability, this breakthrough provides a beacon of hope for a more environmentally friendly future. With further research and development, it’s clear that green ammonia is on the horizon – and it’s an exciting time for science, industry, and humanity alike.

Professor Cullen and his team are now working tirelessly to refine their method, pushing the energy efficiency of the electrolyzer component to make it more competitive with the Haber-Bosch process. This research has been published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a testament to the scientific community’s commitment to innovation and progress.

As we move forward into this new era of sustainable ammonia production, one thing is clear: the future of food, industry, and our planet are intertwined – and this breakthrough is a shining example of humanity’s capacity for innovation and collaboration.

A team of scientists at Linköping University in Sweden has made a groundbreaking discovery in the production of green hydrogen, a promising renewable energy source. By developing a new triple-layer material, they have supercharged the energy yield by an impressive 800%.

Hydrogen produced from water is becoming increasingly important as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. The EU plans to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, making electric motors more common in vehicles. However, heavy trucks, ships, and aircraft require alternative energy sources, where hydrogen comes into play.

The researchers have previously shown that cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) has beneficial properties for facilitating the reaction where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. Now, they’ve further developed a combined material consisting of three layers: a layer of 3C-SiC, a layer of cobalt oxide, and a catalyst material that helps to split water.

The new material, known as Ni(OH)2/Co3O4/3C-SiC, has demonstrated eight times better performance than pure cubic silicon carbide for splitting water into hydrogen. When sunlight hits the material, electric charges are generated, which are then used to split water. By combining the three layers, the researchers have improved the ability to separate positive and negative charges, making the splitting of water more effective.

The distinction between “grey” and “green” hydrogen is crucial in this context. Almost all hydrogen present on the market is “grey” hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, with significant environmental consequences. In contrast, “green” hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity as a source of energy.

Linköping University researchers aim to utilize only solar energy to drive the photochemical reaction to produce “green” hydrogen. Currently, materials under development have an efficiency of between 1 and 3 per cent, but for commercialization, the target is 10% efficiency. The research team estimates that it may take around five to ten years to develop materials that reach this coveted limit.

The study has been funded by several organizations, including the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT), the Olle Engkvists Stiftelse, the ÅForsk Foundation, the Carl Tryggers Stiftelse, and through the Swedish Government Strategic Research Area in Advanced Functional Materials (AFM) at Linköping University.

This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact the renewable energy landscape, making green hydrogen production more efficient and cost-effective. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of this technology, we can expect even more exciting developments in the future.

The development of solid-state batteries has been gaining momentum in recent years, promising safer and more powerful alternatives to traditional lithium-ion batteries. A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas has made a significant breakthrough in this field by discovering that mixing small particles between two solid electrolytes can generate an effect called a “space charge layer.” This accumulation of electric charge at the interface between the materials has been found to create pathways that make it easier for ions to move across, potentially leading to better-performing solid-state batteries.

The researchers, led by Dr. Laisuo Su and Dr. Kyeongjae Cho, published their study in ACS Energy Letters, where it was featured on the cover of the March issue. They discovered that when the separate solid electrolyte materials make physical contact, a layer forms at their boundary where charged particles, or ions, accumulate due to differences in each material’s chemical potential.

“Imagine mixing two ingredients in a recipe and unexpectedly getting a result that is better than either ingredient alone,” Dr. Su explained. “This effect boosted the movement of ions beyond what either material could achieve by itself.”

The research is part of the university’s Batteries and Energy to Advance Commercialization and National Security (BEACONS) initiative, which aims to develop and commercialize new battery technology and manufacturing processes. The team’s findings suggest a new way to design better solid electrolytes by carefully choosing materials that interact in a way that enhances ionic movement.

Solid-state batteries show promise for generating and storing more than twice as much power as batteries with liquid electrolytes, while being safer because they are not flammable. However, the development of solid-state batteries faces challenges due to difficulties in moving ions through solid materials.

The researchers plan to continue studying how the composition and structure of the interface lead to greater ionic conductivity. This breakthrough has the potential to unlock the full potential of solid-state batteries, enabling advanced battery systems that can improve the performance of drones for defense applications.

In conclusion, the discovery of the space charge layer phenomenon offers a promising new direction for the development of solid-state batteries. By understanding and harnessing this effect, researchers may be able to create more efficient and powerful batteries that meet the growing demands of mobile devices, electric vehicles, and other applications.