Experimental and theoretical study of the fundamental mechanisms of nitrogen fixation by plasma and plasma-catalysis: towards the development of novel, environmentally friendly and efficient processes. (NITROPLASM)

Nitrogen is a crucial element for living organisms on earth. Transforming atmospheric N₂ into molecules that can be incorporated by most organisms (N₂ fixation) is either done by microorganisms or through energetically costly chemical processes (lightning strikes, Haber-Bosch (H-B) process).
As the theoretical limit for the energy consumption of N₂ fixation via non-thermal plasma (NTP) is more than 2.5 times lower than the energy consumption of the H-B process, this project aims to exploit NTP processes to fix N₂ by reduction and by oxidation. The objective is to acquire an in depth understanding of the N₂ fixation mechanisms in N₂/O₂ and N₂/CH₄ plasmas by combining experimental and numerical investigations of a wide range of gas and plasma-liquid discharges.To increase the N₂ fixation rate and the yield, plasma catalysis will also be studied in the same gas mixtures. Catalysts will be prepared traditionally but also by plasma-based calcination and plasma-based modification of supports and synthesized catalysts.

By successfully completing this project, we will gain fundamental understanding of the mechanisms and master plasma assisted N₂ fixation in the gas phase, liquid phase and on catalyst surfaces. This consortium includes all major Belgian players in the field of gas conversion by NTPs, establishing a competent workforce (12 PhDs and 7 post-docs; most of them joint between 2 partners) to gather the necessary competences required to reach the challenging project goals.