# CAREER: Tuning Kinetics and Stability of Membrane-Catalyst Systems for Hydrogen Production from Ammonia

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (OH) · $509,694

## Abstract

Hydrogen can be used as a fuel or chemical feedstock to generate energy. However, hydrogen is difficult to store and transport. Ammonia has the chemical formula NH3, and is more convenient to store and transport. Accordingly there is great interest in temporarily converting hydrogen into ammonia, and then decomposing ammonia to recover hydrogen as a fuel. This project develops a membrane-based process for recovering hydrogen from ammonia. It combines the ammonia decomposition reaction, and the subsequent separation of hydrogen from ammonia and nitrogen, into a single operation. The process does not use expensive rare metals as catalysts. It is expected to be more energy-efficient compared with existing processes. The project benefits society by diversifying energy sources. Additional benefits to national interests come from training students in energy technology, outreach programs to engage pre-college students in STEM fields, and strengthening partnerships with industry. 

This project uses a mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) membrane with catalyst to convert ammonia and steam at the two sides of the membrane. The overall reaction is the redox-driven decomposition of ammonia. Oxygen permeability and long term durability of the membrane are critical for this technology. The overall research objective is to tune the kinetics and stability of the oxygen-permeable membrane-catalyst system. This will enable ammonia conversion to exceed its single-step decomposition limit

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2442038
- **Awardee organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, THE (OH)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** DLWBSLWAJWR1
- **PI:** Shang Zhai
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
- **Estimated total:** $509,694
- **Funds obligated:** $509,694
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2442038

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2442038, CAREER: Tuning Kinetics and Stability of Membrane-Catalyst Systems for Hydrogen Production from Ammonia. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2442038. Licensed CC0.

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