China has developed an artificial intelligence powered electrochemical technology that converts nitrate-rich wastewater into ammonia for fertiliser production with significantly lower energy consumption.

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• Chinese researchers developed an AI-powered electrochemical method that converts nitrate-containing wastewater into ammonia used for manufacturing nitrogen-based fertilisers.
• The technology uses a dual-atom catalyst identified through artificial intelligence to improve chemical reaction efficiency and increase nitrate conversion performance.
• Dual-atom catalysts contain two active metal atoms positioned closely together to enhance selectivity and effectiveness during electrochemical conversion processes.
• The process converts nitrate ions from agricultural runoff and industrial wastewater into ammonia through electrochemical reduction at room temperature conditions.
• Researchers reported that the new technology achieved nearly three times higher conversion efficiency compared to previous nitrate-to-ammonia conversion techniques.
• Conventional ammonia production through the Haber-Bosch process requires extremely high temperature and pressure, making it one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes.
• The newly developed electrochemical route significantly reduces energy consumption because the ammonia synthesis process operates efficiently under normal temperature conditions.
• Chinese research institutions are also working on phosphorus recycling technologies that convert sewage sludge into fertiliser materials using modified hydrochar methods.