Gliding Arc reactor. Image credit: Eindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven University of Technology PhD candidate, Bhaskar S. Patil, has created a reactor than may enable remote farmers to produce their own fertilizer using one simple ingredient: air.

The reactor, which converts nitrogen from the atmosphere into NOx (raw material for fertilizer), is thought to make the process of producing the raw materials five times more efficient than existing processes, with current methods of production resulting in about two percent of global CO₂ emissions.

Originally, Patil, in search of alternative methods for producing ammonia and nitrogen oxides, built two reactors: the Gliding arc (GA) reactor and the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The GA reactor proved to be more suitable for producing nitrogen oxides with an energy consumption level of 2.8 MJ/mole (current methods use 0.5 MJ/mole).

Eventually, this technique could be an energy-efficient alternative to the current energy-draining ammonia and nitrate production processes. Additionally, Patil's method doesn't require extra raw materials and production can be generated on a small scale using renewable energy, making this technique ideal for remote areas that don't have power grid access (for example, parts of Africa).

The German Evonik Industries, also involved in this research project, is currently working on further development of the reactor. In addition to use at remote farms, this method can also be used to stimulate the growth of plants in greenhouses and to store sustainable energy in liquid fuels.