At NANOARC we design and manufactures nanocatalysts, to increase ammonia yield at lower temperatures than conventional processes.

The ultra-high surface area of our nanocatalysts provide more catalytically active sites, which increases reactivity and efficiency by allowing the process to run under less extreme conditions. In contrast to traditional catalysts, which are often limited to high temperatures and pressures, NANOARC’s proprietary nanocatalysts function effectively under milder, more energy-efficient conditions.

KEY MECHANISMS FOR INCREASING AMMONIA YIELD

1. Increased surface area: Nanocatalysts have a very high surface-area-to-volume ratio due to their tiny size. This allows for significantly more contact between the catalyst and the nitrogen and hydrogen reactants, increasing the reaction rate and conversion efficiency.

2. Enhanced reactivity and selectivity: The unique surface geometry and electronic structure at the nanoscale provides specific, highly active sites for catalysis. This boosts the reaction rate and minimises the formation of unwanted byproducts, leading to a higher yield of ammonia.

3. Lower energy consumption: The industrial synthesis of ammonia using the Haber-Bosch process operates at a compromise temperature of approximately 400°C – 450°C (752°F–842°F). This temperature is selected based on a trade-off between reaction rate and equilibrium yield, as explained by Le Châtelier's principle. 

The following opposing factors determine the optimal temperature for industrial ammonia synthesis : 

a) Yield vs. Temperature: The Haber process is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat.

𝑁2(𝑔) + 3𝐻2(𝑔) ⇌ 2𝑁𝐻3 (𝑔)

According to Le Châtelier's principle, a lower temperature would shift the equilibrium position to the right, favouring the production of more ammonia. However, a low temperature also dramatically slows down the reaction rate.

b) Rate vs. Temperature: A higher temperature increases the reaction rate, but it also shifts the equilibrium to the left, favouring the reactants (nitrogen and hydrogen) and lowering the yield of ammonia.

OUR SOLUTION

The high catalytic efficiency of our nanocatalysts helps lower the required activation energy for the reaction. This allows the process to run at lower temperatures and pressures than the traditional Haber-Bosch process, which in turn reduces energy consumption and increases the yield of ammonia, despite reduced operation temperatures.

OUR OFFER

we offer a next-generation ultra-high surface area quantum nanocatalysts for low temperature nitrogen fixation, an increased NH3 production rate and high gas yield. 

Our high surface area quantum nanocatalysts help :

• Lower the NH3 synthesis temperature which saves energy costs

• Enhance the production rate of NH3 to improve process efficiency and 

• Increase NH3 gas yield for better productivity. 

This is because the surface area of a (nano)catalyst determines the number of active sites available for N2 activation. The higher the surface area of a (nano)catalyst, the more active sites there are for more N2 molecules to interact and undergo the reduction process. 

PERFORMANCE

• Conventional iron (Fe) catalysts used in NH3 production have surface areas ranging from  3 to 30 𝑚2/𝑔. 

• NANOARC's quantum catalysts have surface areas  well above 49.55 𝑚2/𝑔

NH3 PRODUCTION :

• The activation energy to break the N≡N bond without a catalyst is 945 kJ/mol.

• With conventional catalysts, the activation energy averages  460 kJ/mol.

• With NANOARC's  quantum nanocatalysts, the activation energy averages 20 - 35 kJ/mol.

NH3 CRACKING :

• The activation energy to decompose NH3 without a catalyst is 96 kJ/mol.

• The activation energy to decompose NH3 with a conventional Fe catalyst is 87 kJ/mol

• The activation energy with NANOARC's quantum catalyst is < 35 kJ/mol