Green synthesis of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) fertiliser: production via plasma water/ice interaction with air and NH3 plasma

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study introduces a green and sustainable method for synthesising ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) using plasma activated water (PAW). Nitrate ions ( NO 3 − ) were generated via air plasma treatment, and ammonium ions ( NH 4 + ) were introduced using low pressure ammonia (NH₃) plasma exposure to nitrate-rich PAW in frozen form to produce NH4NO3. Results demonstrated that process parameters, including NH₃ gas pressure, applied voltage, and treatment time, significantly influenced PAW properties, with NH₃ plasma treatment time showing the most substantial impact. Extending the treatment time from 0.5–1.5 hours increased NH 4 + ion concentration by 134.2%, achieving a maximum of 168.2 mg L−¹ with an energy consumption of 74.8 mg NH 4 + ions kWh−¹. The NO 3 − ion concentration reached 63.5 mg L−¹ with an energy yield of 222 mg NO 3 − ions kWh−¹. This method achieved a total yield of 27.6 mg NH4NO3 kWh−¹ and produced a neutral to slightly basic PAW suitable for agricultural applications, offering a promising alternative to traditional NH4NO3 production processes.