Work

Nitrogen Fixation Through Al 2 O 3 –Based Catalysts Embedded in a Microwave Plasma Post–Discharge

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The conventional Haber–Bosch process for nitrogen fixation is energy‐intensive and associated with high greenhouse gas emissions. Plasma‐assisted catalysis represents an alternative approach for nitrogen oxidation under milder conditions. In this study, catalyst‐assisted microwave plasma was investigated using alumina‐based catalysts and alumina‐supported metal oxides (Mo, W, Co, and Ni). Microwave plasma alone predominantly produced NO, whereas the presence of catalysts promoted additional NO 2 formation, indicating the importance of plasma–catalyst interactions. Catalytic performance depended strongly on the physicochemical properties of alumina, with δ‐Al 2 O 3 exhibiting the highest activity. Mo‐ and W‐loaded catalysts further enhanced NO x formation, while Ni and Co showed weaker effects. An overall increase of up to ~30% in NO x production was achieved compared to plasma alone.

Source: Plasma Processes and Polymers

DOI: 10.1002/ppap.70136

Authors: Babak Sadeghi, Rony Snyders, Marie–Paule Delplancke

Institutions: University of Mons, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Materia Nova

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Applications and Diagnostics

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS, Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Awards: G1545717210, G6563251088