Development of a Plasma-Electrochemical Reactor for Green Ammonia Synthesis

Illustration process of a plasma electrochemical reaction for making ammonia from air.

Harnessing lightning to make ammonia 

Project is Not Currently Available

This project is not being offered for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Project description

Our lab has developed a plasma electrochemical reactor system capable of converting air directly into ammonia, a commodity chemical widely used in fertilizer production. Our technology is highly competitive, and we have filed a provisional patent for this innovation. We are currently focused on scaling up the reactor to increase ammonia production rates. If this scaling effort succeeds, we aim to commercialize the research through a startup initiative.

We are looking for undergraduate students to work alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in our lab to participate in the reactor scale up effort. They will first receive comprehensive training on reactor assembly and the operation of analytical instruments. They will participate in 3D printing and machining reactor components, assembling these components for testing. The ammonia produced will be quantified using analytical methods such as NMR, HPLC, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Students will also actively contribute to designing and optimizing the plasma electrochemical reactor to enhance production efficiency.

Project outcome

The undergraduate students are expected to contribute to the design, testing, and optimization of the reactor. Their efforts will help advance our understanding of plasma chemistry and electrochemistry within the system. If the results are substantial, we plan to pursue publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Undergraduate students will be encouraged to present their findings at national scientific conferences if they are interested, and they will be strongly encouraged to participate in local conferences at the University at Buffalo.

Through this project, students will gain hands-on experience and training in a range of scientific and engineering disciplines, including chemical safety, chemical instrumentation, mechanical design, 3D additive manufacturing, electrocatalysis, scientific communication, and teamwork. If the project progresses successfully, students may also have the opportunity to contribute to the commercialization effort. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Longer than a semester; 6-9 months
Start time

Spring (January/February 2025)

Summer (May/June of 2025)

In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (Can only function with in-person engagement)
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits Stipend
Who is eligible Sophomores and Juniors

Project mentor

Chris Li

Assistant Professor

Chemistry

Phone: (716) 645-4285

Email: yuguangl@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Keywords

Energy, Environmental, Chemical Reaction, Catalysis, Electrochemical Reaction, Synthesis, Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences