Sparks to synthesis: A roadmap to feasible ammonia production via plasma catalysis

Ammonia production is vital for global food security, supporting agriculture for approximately 70% of the world's population. However, the conventional Haber-Bosch process is energy-intensive, fossil fuel-dependent, and responsible for 1–2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, limiting accessibility, particularly in developing nations. Plasma catalysis offers a promising alternative to electrifying decentralized, small-scale ammonia production with better integration into renewable energy systems. In addition to different methods of utilizing plasma for ammonia synthesis, this review examines recent kinetic and computational insights and laboratory-scale advancements in plasma catalysis allowing it to surpass conventional thermodynamic limitations and operate under significantly milder conditions than conventional Haber-Bosch with unconventional catalysts. It also discusses challenges in plasma catalysis related to energy efficiency, catalyst compatibility, and economic feasibility, stemming from the need to better understand nitrogen and hydrogen activity in nonthermal plasmas. These challenges provide key research directions and a roadmap towards feasible plasma catalysis for ammonia synthesis.