Optimization of green synthesis of ammonia by magnetic induction method using response surface methodology

The current method for ammonia (NH3) production is a high energy consumption process and not environmentally friendly because it requires high operating temperature and pressure. A novel green method using nanotechnology and the magnetic induction method (MIM) to synthesize NH3 provides a new route to address this issue. In this preliminary study, α-Fe2O3 nanocatalyst was chosen because iron is a very good catalyst for NH3 synthesis for a wide temperature range. The optimal mixture of nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) was found to be 1:2 molar ratio (N2:H2). The results from a trial-run experiment utilizing appropriate design of experiment (DOE) methods are also reported. From the simulation, 99.4% theoretical NH3 yield can be achieved by using the α-Fe2O3 nanocatalyst and the following parameters: 3 pairs of Helmholtz coils, 710 MHz oscillating magnetic field, N2 flow rate of 50 mL/min, H2 flow rate of 100 mL/min and a 3 T static magnetic field. In conclusion it was found that the quantity of Helmholtz coils, frequency of Helmholtz coils, N2 flow rate and magnetic induction strength influence the amount of NH3 being produced. Utilization of 710 MHz of oscillating magnetic field and 3 T of magnetic induction strength together with the nanocatalyst are sufficient to dissociate the N2 and H2 bonds to form NH3 in our novel system.