Green Synthesis of Ammonium Nitrate (NH$_4$NO$_3$) Fertilizer Production: via Plasma Water Ice Interaction with Air and NH$_3$ Plasma

TL;DR

This paper introduces an ecofriendly method for synthesizing ammonium nitrate using plasma-treated water ice and ammonia plasma, emphasizing process parameter effects on product quality and environmental benefits.

Contribution

It presents a novel plasma-based synthesis process for ammonium nitrate, analyzing the effects of various parameters and improving environmental sustainability in fertilizer production.

Findings

NH4 ion concentration increased by 134.2% with longer NH3 plasma treatment

Process parameters positively influence PAW properties

PAW has neutral to slightly basic pH suitable for soil applications

Abstract

This study presents a novel and ecofriendly method for synthesizing ammonium nitrate using activated prepared through air and ammonia plasma treatments. Initially, PAW containing nitrate ions is produced by treating water with air plasma. This PAW air is then frozen and exposed to low pressure NH$_3$ plasma, introducing ammonium ions to from NH$_4$NO$_3$. We systematically investigate the voltage current characteristics of the air and NH$_3$ plasma, analyze the generated species and radicals to understand the mechanism of NH$_4$NO$_3$ formation, and evaluate the effects of process parameters such as NH$_3$ gas pressure, applied voltage, and treatment time on the properties of PAW. Our results indicate that all examined process parameters positively influence the properties of PAW. Among these parameters, the duration of NH$_3$ plasma treatment of PAW ice exerts the most significant effect. Specifically, the concentration of NH4 ions increased by 134.2 percent when the NH$_3$ treatment time was extended from 0.5 h to 1 h, compared to 12.7 and 33.3 percent increases for NH$_3$ pressure, ranging from 0.25 to 0.55 mbar, and applied voltage, ranging from 500 to 700 V, respectively. Similarly, variations in pH, oxidation reduction potential, and electrical conductivity were substantially higher with increased treatment time than with changes in gas pressure and applied voltage. The PAW exhibited a neutral to slightly basic pH, making it ideal for soil applications, thereby addressing the existing issue of the high acidity of PAW and its use in agriculture.