Stanford researchers developed a clean, wind-powered device to produce ammonia, reducing carbon emissions and transforming agriculture.
A novel prototype device developed by Stanford University and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is set to upgrade agriculture by producing ammonia—a vital fertiliser component—directly from the air. This sustainable innovation relies on wind energy and catalyst-coated mesh, potentially replacing the traditional ammonia production method, which is energy-intensive and emits significant carbon dioxide. “This breakthrough allows us to harness the nitrogen in our air and produce ammonia sustainably,” explained Richard Zare, senior author and professor, Stanford.
The new approach marks the first field demonstration of the technology. Unlike the century-old Haber-Bosch process that combines nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressures and temperatures, this device operates at ambient conditions, offering a cleaner alternative for ammonia synthesis. Farmers, agricultural businesses, and organisations focused on sustainable practices will benefit from this innovation, which could reduce dependency on external fertiliser supplies and the transportation required to deliver them.
Researchers meticulously analysed how environmental factors such as wind speed, humidity, and water droplet size influence ammonia production. Using a combination of iron oxide and acid polymers, they identified optimal conditions for generating ammonia efficiently. By passing air through a specialised mesh, the device extracts nitrogen and hydrogen from water vapor, producing ammonia at concentrations suitable for hydroponic greenhouse farming.
What sets this device apart is its ability to function without an external power source or large-scale infrastructure. Portable and efficient, it could enable farmers to produce fertiliser onsite, eliminating the need for transportation and reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture. “This approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint of ammonia production,” said Xiaowei Song, the research’s lead author.
The researchers envision scaling the system to serve broader agricultural needs and exploring its use in decarbonising industries like shipping and energy storage. Ammonia, with its higher energy density, can also act as a clean energy carrier, presenting new opportunities for renewable energy transportation.
Although commercial viability is still two to three years away, this innovation offers a promising path toward a sustainable, fossil-free future. “Green ammonia represents a new frontier in sustainability,” Zare added, underscoring the device’s potential to reshape multiple sectors.
