Shruti GautamTLDR:
US start-up Syzygy Plasmonics has announced the availability of its “light-powered reactor cell,” which uses powerful LED bulbs and proprietary catalysts to crack ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. The reactor only requires 12kWh of electricity to convert ammonia into hydrogen, potentially reducing the cost of producing green hydrogen and eliminating NOx emissions. The system works by using plasmonic nanoparticles and a catalyst to initiate the cracking process. The company aims to improve the reactor’s efficiency to 10kWh/kgH2 by the end of 2026.
Key points:
- US start-up Syzygy Plasmonics has developed a light-powered reactor cell that can crack ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen using LED bulbs and proprietary catalysts.
- The reactor requires only 12kWh of electricity to convert ammonia into hydrogen, potentially reducing the cost of producing green hydrogen.
- The reactor uses plasmonic nanoparticles and a catalyst to initiate the cracking process, eliminating the need for high temperatures and producing no NOx emissions.
- Currently, most green hydrogen export projects ship ammonia due to its higher hydrogen content by volume and ease of transportation, but if the end user wants hydrogen rather than ammonia, a costly cracking process is required.
- The reactor has undergone 1,500 hours of testing and is producing 200kg of hydrogen per day. The company plans to improve its efficiency to 10kWh/kgH2 by the end of 2026.
