Hydrothermal synthesis of TiO₂ as a catalyst support for ammonia production at low temperature and pressure

Details

Supervisors

Gaigneaux, Eric M. ; Gamez Rivera, Sebastian Antonio

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en chimie et bioindustries, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enAmmonia (NH3) production accounts for 2% of global energy consumption and generates 2.4 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of NH3 produced. Ammonia is mainly used for fertilisers (70%), with the remainder used in various industrial applications such as plastics, explosives and synthetic fibres. Given the increase in population and, consequently, the demand for fertilisers, and considering the environmental concerns we face, it is essential to reduce the energy consumption associated with NH3 production. Ammonia is usually produced via the Haber-Bosch process, which operates at high temperatures (350–500°C), high pressures (100–300 bar) and uses traditional iron-based catalysts. In terms of energy, 60% of the total is spent on generating and maintaining these high temperatures and pressures. By developing new catalysts, it would be possible to significantly reduce these extreme conditions, thereby saving energy and producing less CO2. This work focuses on the development of heterogeneous catalysts made from inexpensive and readily available materials to replace traditional iron-based catalysts or those composed of rare metals. In particular, this paper examines a hydrothermal synthesis method for TiO₂ to replace the commercial support currently used in the catalysts under study. The aim is to investigate the effects of this synthesised support on catalytic activity by varying the synthesis conditions, and also to characterise the synthesised supports.