Work

A Novel Nonthermal Plasma System for Continuous On-Site Production of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Plasma-assisted nitrogen fixation is emerging as a promising alternative to the dominant industrial method of the Haber–Bosch (H–B) process, which is energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental. Nonthermal plasma technology represents a cutting-edge innovation with the potential to revolutionize nitrogen fertilizer (N-fertilizer) production, offering a more sustainable approach by operating under mild conditions, making it suitable for decentralized N-fertilizer production. Toward the goal, in this study, we demonstrate our development and test of a novel nonthermal plasma system for continuous on-site production of N-fertilizer. This technology results in a product of aqueous N-fertilizer on-site, from only air, water, and electricity without carbon emissions, directly applicable to plants, bypassing costly and hazardous multiple steps in the production and transportation of the industrial N-fertilizers.

Source: AgriEngineering

DOI: 10.3390/agriengineering8010020

Authors: Xiaofei Philip Ye, Nathan Michalik, Joshua Hyde

Institution: University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Applications and Diagnostics

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Zero hunger, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930