Reducing carbon emissions in the chemical industry
Nitric acid is an important chemical with diverse applications across multiple sectors. In agriculture, nitric acid is used for the production of ammonium nitrate, a key component of fertilizers that supports crop growth and helps meet the food demands of a growing global population. Nitric acid is also a critical component in the production of explosives like TNT, which are used extensively in mining operations. The chemical industry relies on nitric acid for the synthesis of a wide array of compounds, including dyes, nylon, and pharmaceuticals. The metal processing industry also benefits from nitric acid’s powerful corrosive properties, using it for metal etching and the manufacture of specialized materials. Due to its widespread utility across multiple industries, the global market for nitric acid is substantial; in 2021, the market was valued at approximately $24B driven by the consistent demand for fertilizers, growth in the chemical sector, and the expanding use of nitric acid in laboratory and industrial applications.
Despite its global importance, the production of nitric acid comes with significant environmental drawbacks. The conventional production of nitric acid is through the Haber-Bosch process- a method that requires vast amounts of energy, typically derived from natural gas. Natural gas acts as the feedstock for the hydrogen-component of ammonia and, as a result, the process emits large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2). In 2021, nitric acid production was responsible for 108 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions globally, accounting for approximately 0.3% of total global CO2 emissions. These emissions make nitric acid production a significant contributor to the chemical industry's overall carbon footprint, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly production.
Arctura is leading the charge in this domain with its innovative approach to producing green nitric acid. Recognizing the environmental impact of traditional nitric acid production, Arctura has developed a novel technology that completely reimagines the process. Instead of relying on natural gas and the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, Arctura’s method uses only air, water, and electricity to produce nitric acid, entirely eliminating the carbon emissions associated with conventional production.
At the heart of this breakthrough is low temperature plasma (LTP) technology, which uses an electric field to ionize air at room temperature and pressure. This ionization process splits nitrogen molecules, creating nitrogen oxides, which are then reacted with water to form nitric acid. By bypassing the need for ammonia, Arctura’s process drastically reduces the energy required for production—potentially consuming up to 50% less energy than the traditional method—and eliminates the associated CO2 emissions when powered by renewable energy.
As Arctura continues to develop and refine its technology, the company is actively pursuing partnerships with major players in the renewable energy sector and large industrial consumers of nitric acid. These collaborations are crucial for bringing this groundbreaking technology to market quickly and effectively, ensuring that industries can transition to more sustainable production methods without compromising efficiency or profitability. With its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, Arctura is poised to revolutionize the nitric acid industry and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Stay tuned for more updates as Arctura’s green nitric acid technology moves closer to commercial deployment, offering a transformative solution for industries worldwide.