Ammonia is commonly used in fertilizer because it has the highest nitrogen content of commercial fertilizers, making it essential for crop production. However, two carbon dioxide molecules are made for every molecule of ammonia produced, contributing to excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(a) Schematic illustration of the synthesis of Ti2NTx MXene via oxygen-assisted molten salt fluoride treatment of the parent MAX phase Ti2AlN at 550 °C for 5 h under flowing argon, then exposure to air, followed by fluoride salt removal in 4 M H2SO4, finally delamination is accomplished via sonication in water for 4 h. Models are not based on gathered data, only as a general guideline. In lab photographs of (b) MAX phase, (c) Multilayer Ti2N MXene after acid washing, and (d) Single layer MXene acquired after delamination in water. (e) SEM imaging of Ti2AlN MAX phase (black outline), molten salt treated MAX phase (blue outline), multilayer Ti2N MXene (purple outline), and few layer Ti2N MXene (red outline). The lateral size of the individual MXene flakes is roughly 5 μm. (f) XRD, (g) Raman, and (h) UV–Vis spectra of Ti2AlN MAX phase (black) and single layer Ti2N MXene (red). XRD was gathered using a zero-diffraction silicon plate with a well. Raman spectroscopy was gathered using 532 nm laser at 5% power at a 1 s exposure time. UV–Vis spectroscopy was collected using water as the matrix. Credit: Scientific Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04640-7 A team from the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University consisting of Dr. Abdoulaye Djire, assistant professor, and graduate student Denis Johnson, has furthered a method to produce ammonia through electrochemical processes, helping to reduce carbon emissions. This research aims to replace the Haber-Bosch thermochemical process with an electrochemical process that is more sustainable and safer for the environment. The researchers recently published their findings in Scientific Reports. Since the early 1900s, the Haber-Bosch process has been used to produce ammonia. This process works…