(618d) Novel Catalysts for Ammonia Cracking and Synthesis

The most effective ammonia cracking catalysts are currently based on rare metals such as ruthenium and cobalt. While iron can efficiently crack ammonia at 600^oC, it is desirable to develop similarly inexpensive that are effective at lower temperatures between 350^oC and 500^oC. In this presentation, a new family of imide-based catalysts are described that crack ammonia around 400^oC to 550^oC. These materials do not behave as conventional surface-based catalysts and not only offer an affordable route for on-board cracking of ammonia for hydrogen fuel-cell cars. The operational parameters of a small 50W lab-based demonstrator will be described and the presentation will conclude with a discussion of the promise of these materials as ammonia synthesis catalysts.