New plasma device turns air into ammonia, ends the need for fossil fuels

Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a method to produce ammonia using electricity and artificial lightning, offering a cleaner alternative to the carbon-intensive Haber-Bosch process. The new approach uses plasma to excite air molecules, converting them into ammonia gas through a membrane-based electrolyzer. This method avoids high heat, pressure, and fossil fuels, potentially enabling low-cost, scalable, and decentralized production of green ammonia. The innovation could transform fertilizer production and expand ammonia's use as a clean fuel and hydrogen carrier.