Welcome to the new edition of our DARE2X interview series! In these brief chats, we introduce you to our project partners, exploring their roles in developing our innovative and decentralised ammonia (NH₃) technology. Discover how this DARE2X solution will be made safe and learn about its numerous benefits for society. In this interview, we spoke with our partners at the University of Liverpool!

The University of Liverpool is one of the key partners in a consortium of world-leading research institutions, and innovative R&D-performing SMEs from different countries. Tell us a little bit about your group and research activities.
Tell us a little bit about your group and research activities.
Dr. Xin Tu leads an interdisciplinary research team at the University of Liverpool (UoL) whose research is mainly focused on plasma chemistry and plasma catalysis for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. The research team includes 11 Postdoctoral Researchers and 11 PhD students with diverse academic backgrounds spanning electrical engineering, chemical engineering, material science, chemistry, physics, thermal engineering, and computer science, creating a collaborative environment that fosters innovative research. Four researchers – Dr. Weitao Wang, Dr. Chunqiang Lu, Dr. Jintao Sun, and Mr. Yuxiang Cai, contribute to the DARE2X Project. Their complementary expertise and skill sets enable the entire research team to address complex, multifaceted challenges, driving advancements in this emerging field. This interdisciplinary synergy is central to UoL’s success and innovation.

Wanting to know more, could you provide more details about your organisation?
The University of Liverpool (UoL), founded in 1881, is renowned as the original ‘red brick’ university and a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, representing the UK’s leading research institutions. With a rich history of pioneering world-firsts and a strong foundation of research excellence, the University has consistently led the way in developing innovative solutions to global challenges. According to the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) rankings, an impressive 91% of our research is classified as world-leading or internationally excellent, underscoring our commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing global issues.

Following up, in your opinion, which aspects of your research in DARE2X are the most innovative?
The most innovative aspects of our research in the DARE2X project build on our pioneering “shielding protection” catalyst design strategy, which uses the mesoporous structure of Ni/MCM-41 catalysts to confine NH₃ within the pores, preventing plasma-induced NH₃ decomposition (reverse reaction) and significantly enhancing NH₃ production (>5% single-pass yield) at ambient conditions (JACS, 2022, 144, 12020-12031). Leveraging this breakthrough, we have further advanced the field by proposing the novel “sorption-enhanced plasma catalysis” concept. This approach integrates plasma-catalytic NH₃ synthesis with in situ NH₃ separation using zeolite-based catalysts, combining two critical steps into a single, efficient process. This innovation not only addresses the challenges of decentralised green NH₃ production but also represents a transformative leap in plasma catalysis.

One of the key pillars of implementing the DARE2X solution is to raise awareness about how our disruptive ammonia technology will be safe and sustainable. How will your contribution to DARE2X improve everyday life for society?
Our contribution to the DARE2X project will significantly improve everyday life for society by enabling the decentralised, sustainable production of green ammonia, a critical chemical and future fuel. By replacing fossil fuel-based Haber-Bosch processes with our innovative sorption-enhanced plasma catalysis technology, we will drastically reduce CO2 emissions associated with NH₃ production, contributing to global decarbonisation efforts. This breakthrough will support the transition to renewable energy by allowing NH₃ synthesis to be directly coupled with renewable electricity sources, even at small scales. Green NH₃ can serve as a carbon-free fuel for transportation, energy storage, and agriculture, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. Additionally, decentralised production will create local jobs, foster economic development, and ensure a stable supply of fertilisers, improving food security. Ultimately, our work will help build a cleaner, more sustainable future for society.

Finally, the R&D, innovation, and demonstration of the DARE2X technology involve significant efforts and hard work in the consortium. What are the main challenges in your work in DARE2X?
The primary challenges in our work within the DARE2X project involve developing advanced non-thermal plasma reactors capable of driving efficient NH₃ synthesis under ambient conditions, designing novel catalysts with minimal critical raw material (CRM) usage that demonstrate high activity and long-term stability, and engineering effective NH₃ sorption materials for in-situ separation. A further critical challenge lies in integrating these components into a single, scalable device that maintains high efficiency and cost-competitiveness. Successfully addressing these challenges is crucial to enabling feasible green NH₃ production, advancing global decarbonisation efforts, and meeting the rising demand for sustainable fuels and fertilisers, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.