Method, system and apparatus for in situ production of compounds via subsurface geothermal chemical reactions

By utilizing ultramafic rocks to react with water and nitrogen sources underground, ammonia and ammonium salts can be produced in situ, solving the problems of energy intensity and high cost in existing technologies. This achieves low-energy, high-efficiency ammonia production and reduces CO2 emissions.

CN122161779APending Publication Date: 2026-06-05MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202480071399.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-08
Filing Date
2024-11-12
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ammonia production technologies are energy-intensive, costly, require large land areas, and are not environmentally friendly. The Haber-Bosch process requires high pressure, high temperature, and fossil fuels, resulting in large amounts of CO2 emissions.

Method used

Ammonia and ammonium salts are produced in situ through geothermal chemical reactions by reacting ultramafic rocks with water and nitrogen sources beneath the Earth's surface. Catalysts are used to promote the reaction, reduce energy consumption and lower temperature and pressure requirements, and geothermal energy is used to provide the reaction conditions.

Benefits of technology

It enables efficient production of ammonia and ammonium salts under low energy consumption conditions, reduces CO2 emissions, lowers production costs, and provides a scalable production method.

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Abstract

Systems and methods for in situ production of ammonia and / or ammonium salt compounds using subsurface geochemistry are provided. In some embodiments, one or more reactants may be delivered to a subsurface region for in situ formation of ammonia and / or ammonium salts. Reactants may be brought into contact with a bed of ferriferrous rock to react, thereby forming hydrogen (H2). The hydrogen may then be reacted with a nitrogen source to form ammonia that may be collected. In another embodiment, nitrogen may be pumped into contact with hydrogen released from the rock bed, thereby forming an ammonium salt that can be excavated in the earth crust. In some other embodiments, the catalyst may be transported with the reactants, or the reaction may be promoted by the catalyst in the rock bed, thereby forming ammonia gas in situ without the need for hydrogen formation.
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