Indonesian researcher Deni Swantomo from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has developed an environmentally safe method for producing nitrogen fertilisers, reports ANTARA.
The method utilises dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology. DBD is an electrical discharge between two electrodes separated by an insulating dielectric material (barrier). This technology makes it possible to synthesise ammonia – the basis of fertilisers – directly from water and gaseous nitrogen contained in the air.
“Unlike conventional methods, this system can operate at room temperature and pressure without requiring extreme conditions or additional hydrogen gas,” Deni Swantomo explained.
During the study, the nitrogen flow rate, electrical power, distance between the electrodes, type of water, and pH level were evaluated.
The optimal results were achieved using deionised water with a pH of around 5. At a power of 75 watts, an electrode distance of 1 centimetre, and a nitrogen flow of 1.4 litres per minute, the ammonia concentration reached 19.7 parts per million within 30 minutes.
The author of the method noted that tap water yields a lower product output due to its mineral content. In addition, ultraviolet radiation reduces ammonia concentration by accelerating its decomposition.
Swantomo emphasised that the current production scale is limited to the laboratory level and cannot yet compete with industrial volumes. He expressed hope that the technology could be further developed as a cleaner solution for sustainable agriculture and global food security.
Global ammonia production is still based on the Haber–Bosch process, which is energy-intensive, requires high temperatures and pressures, and contributes to carbon emissions. Swantomo’s method operates differently: when electrical energy is applied to gaseous nitrogen, plasma is formed. The plasma then interacts with water, splitting it into hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals, which subsequently react with nitrogen to form ammonia.