Rutgers University researchers develop catalyst that can convert nitrate pollution in water directly into ammonia
Ammonia is essential for making fertilizers that help feed the world, but producing it typically requires massive amounts of energy and releases significant greenhouse gases. Now, researchers have found a promising new way to create ammonia while simultaneously cleaning polluted water.
Tewodros (Teddy) Asefa, affiliate of the Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute, and professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology & the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, is a co-author on this study published in the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. The research team developed a special catalyst—a material that speeds up chemical reactions—that can convert nitrate pollution in water directly into ammonia.
Nitrate is a common water pollutant from agricultural runoff and industrial waste. The new catalyst works by using electricity to transform these nitrates into ammonia with remarkable efficiency and selectivity—achieving nearly 100% conversion. This approach tackles two problems at once: it cleans contaminated water while producing a valuable chemical that’s normally made through energy-intensive industrial processes.
The catalyst combines two different materials into a unique structure that works like a team. Iron sites grab and activate the nitrate molecules, while cobalt sites help break down water to provide the hydrogen needed for the conversion. This partnership significantly speeds up the chemical reactions and reduces the energy required.
“This technology has the potential to transform how we think about water treatment and ammonia production,” said Asefa. “Instead of viewing nitrate pollution as just a problem to remove, we can now see it as a resource that can be converted into something useful while protecting our water supplies.”
By producing ammonia from waste nitrates rather than through traditional methods, this technology could reduce industrial energy consumption and lower environmental pollutants. The process also offers a sustainable path forward for both environmental cleanup and chemical manufacturing, potentially benefiting agriculture, water treatment facilities, and communities dealing with nitrate pollution.
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