Researchers sustain ammonia-based hydrogen production for over 2,000 hours

National University of Singapore researchers sustained hydrogen production from ammonia for over 2,000 hours in laboratory tests using a catalyst and regeneration process, according to findings published in Nature Synthesis. The catalyst showed more than 10 times the ammonia oxidation activity of commercial platinum-on-carbon under the tested conditions. Platinum nanoparticles sit on a support that suppresses oxidation and helps clear nitrogen blocking active sites. Periodic current reversal, occasional acid washing and ammonia replenishment restore activity. Tests at 80°C ran for over 2,000 hours at low current and 500 hours at substantially higher current; larger-scale evaluation is still needed.