Cleaner ammonia production
Zhao is carrying out his project, A new in situ NMR method for understanding lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis, together with V.I. Ruzaikin of the O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv.
The project focuses on improving a new, carbon-free method for producing ammonia, using lithium as a mediator. A key challenge is the efficient recovery of the ammonia that is formed, which is a precondition for making the technology practically applicable and energy-efficient.
The researchers are conducting targeted experiments to determine how much ammonia can be produced under various operating conditions and reactor designs. In addition, they are studying the physical and thermodynamic properties of the liquid mixture of lithium hydroxide, water and ammonia. In this way, the research contributes to the development of cleaner and more sustainable ammonia production.
About the NWO Hop-On Call for Researchers Based in Ukraine
The NWO call enables ongoing Dutch projects to involve a qualified Ukrainian researcher in their team. The initiative supports Ukrainian scientists in expanding their professional network within the Dutch academic community, with the Dutch teams contributing advice, mentorship and other forms of guidance. In total, nine ongoing Dutch NWO projects were awarded funding in this round.