Ammonia Fuel Cell: A Vision of Clean Energy

Powering the Future: Can Ammonia Fuel Cells Revolutionize Clean Energy?

Nico Varela in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into Ammonia and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology for a Sustainable Tomorrow"

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, fuel cells have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional combustion engines. Among these, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) stand out due to their high efficiency and fuel flexibility. While hydrogen has long been considered an ideal fuel for these cells, challenges related to its storage and transportation have prompted researchers to explore other options. Ammonia, with its higher energy density and established infrastructure, presents a compelling alternative.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy delves into the performance of SOFCs powered by both ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen (H2). The researchers, Yildiz Kalinci and Ibrahim Dincer, conducted a comprehensive analysis, using a one-dimensional steady-state model, to evaluate the potential of ammonia as a viable fuel source. Their findings offer valuable insights into the future of clean energy and the role that ammonia could play in it.

This article breaks down the key aspects of their research, exploring the science behind ammonia-fueled SOFCs, the challenges and opportunities they present, and their potential impact on a more sustainable energy future. This analysis aims to distill complex research into a more accessible format.

The Science Behind Ammonia Fuel Cells

Ammonia Fuel Cell: A Vision of Clean Energy

SOFCs are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity. Unlike combustion engines, which release pollutants, fuel cells produce electricity through a clean chemical reaction. In the case of ammonia-fueled SOFCs, ammonia is broken down into hydrogen and nitrogen at the anode (the positively charged electrode). The hydrogen then reacts with oxygen ions from the air to produce electricity and water.

The study uses a detailed electrochemical model to simulate the performance of an SOFC with a proton-conducting electrolyte (SOFC-H+). This type of SOFC operates at intermediate temperatures (600-800°C), offering advantages over high-temperature SOFCs in terms of material durability and stability.

The model considers several key factors, including:

Direct internal reforming of ammonia.
The impact of operating parameters such as temperature, pressure, and fuel utilization.
Overpotentials (activation, ohmic, and concentration) that affect cell performance.

The researchers found that while both hydrogen and ammonia can effectively power SOFCs, hydrogen provides better performance at the same partial pressure. However, ammonia stands out as a promising fuel carrier due to its high hydrogen content and ease of storage and transportation.

The Future of Clean Energy is Now

The research highlights the potential of ammonia as a practical and efficient fuel for SOFCs. As the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, ammonia fuel cells could play a vital role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Although technological and economic hurdles remain, ongoing research and development efforts are paving the way for a future powered by ammonia.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.07.234, Alternate LINK

Title: Analysis And Performance Assessment Of Nh3 And H2 Fed Sofc With Proton-Conducting Electrolyte

Subject: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Yildiz Kalinci, Ibrahim Dincer

Published: 2018-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and how do they work when powered by ammonia?

Solid oxide fuel cells, or SOFCs, are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity through a clean chemical reaction. When fueled by ammonia, the ammonia is broken down into hydrogen and nitrogen at the anode. The hydrogen then reacts with oxygen ions to produce electricity and water. SOFCs stand out due to their high efficiency and fuel flexibility, operating at intermediate temperatures, and offer advantages over high-temperature SOFCs in terms of material durability and stability. However, the article does not explicitly explain the process of internal reforming of ammonia or how the nitrogen byproduct is handled.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using ammonia versus hydrogen to power solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), according to research?

The research highlights that while both hydrogen and ammonia can effectively power solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), hydrogen provides better performance at the same partial pressure. However, ammonia stands out as a promising fuel carrier due to its higher energy density, ease of storage, transportation, and established infrastructure, making it a more practical option for widespread use. The benefits of using ammonia as a fuel carrier are substantial, although the article doesn't delve into specific comparisons with other alternative fuels like methanol or ethanol.

What methodology did Yildiz Kalinci and Ibrahim Dincer employ in their study to evaluate ammonia and hydrogen as fuel sources for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)?

Yildiz Kalinci and Ibrahim Dincer used a one-dimensional steady-state model to conduct a comprehensive analysis of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) powered by both ammonia and hydrogen. Their study, published in the *International Journal of Hydrogen Energy*, evaluated the potential of ammonia as a viable fuel source, offering insights into the future of clean energy. The model they used considered key factors such as direct internal reforming of ammonia, the impact of operating parameters, and overpotentials affecting cell performance. However, the specifics of the model's mathematical formulation or validation against experimental data aren't included.

What impact could ammonia fuel cells have on achieving a more sustainable energy future?

The transition towards ammonia fuel cells could substantially reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Ammonia, with its higher energy density and ease of storage and transportation, offers a practical and efficient fuel option for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Ongoing research and development are paving the way for a future powered by ammonia, although technological and economic hurdles still exist. One missing point is the discussion about the infrastructure required to support widespread adoption of ammonia fuel cells.

What is the significance of using a proton-conducting electrolyte (SOFC-H+) in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and what parameters influence its performance?

A proton-conducting electrolyte (SOFC-H+) operates at intermediate temperatures (600-800°C). This offers advantages such as enhanced material durability and stability compared to high-temperature SOFCs. The model used in the study considers factors such as direct internal reforming of ammonia, the impact of operating parameters, and overpotentials to evaluate cell performance. This provides a more accessible understanding of the complex research and its potential impact on a sustainable energy future. What is missing is that the specific materials used for the proton-conducting electrolyte and their impact on overall cell performance are not specified.