Ammonia Production via Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrogen
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | NanoScientifica Scandinavia AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 995 429 |
| Project duration | May 2026 - April 2029 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | M-ERA.NET 3 |
Purpose and goal
MACAROON addresses the need for decentralized, zero-emission ammonia production. The project develops next-generation electrochemical cells for nitrogen reduction (eNRR) through three innovations: (1) increasing energy efficiency with alternative metal cathodes (Ca, Mg) instead of lithium, (2) replacing the liquid electrolyte with proton exchange membranes to reduce Ohmic resistance, (3) replacing thick Pt/PtAu anodes with nanoparticle catalysts at reduced PGM content. TRL rises from 2 to 4.
Expected effects and result
Expected results (targets vs. current state-of-the-art): current density 300 mA/cm² (today 60), Faradaic efficiency 95 % at 300 mA/cm², ammonia production 24 g/h (today 15 mg/h), energy efficiency 25 % (today 17 %), stability 500 hours, cost 700 USD/tonne NH3, GHG emissions 0.3 kg CO2/kg NH3. Impact: reduced fossil dependence, improved energy security and strengthened European leadership in sustainable energy technologies.
Planned approach and implementation
The project runs 36 months, 162 person months, with five partners: SINTEF (NO, coordinator), NitroVolt (DK), Aalto University (FI), National Institute of Chemistry (SI) and NanoScientifica (SE). Execution along five tracks: (1) advanced characterization of the SEI layer, (2) synthesis of novel Li, Ca and Mg salts, (3) nanoparticle catalysts for hydrogen oxidation, (4) MEA cells with proton exchange membranes, (5) LCA and TEA. Demonstration in a 400 cm² flow cell.