SuN₂rise

Rethinking ammonia for
a sustainable planet

SuN₂rise is the ERC-StG project that aims to reinvent ammonia production by developing a sustainable, sunpowered alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. Instead of relying on high temperatures and pressures, the project will enable ambient-condition ammonia synthesis directly from air and water using solar energy. A novel lithiummediated electrocatalytic approach, powered by integrated photovoltaic cells, will achieve high N₂ conversion efficiency (>95%). The goal is to create transparent, scalable devices suitable for greenhouse integration, producing ammonia-based fertilizers locally. This breakthrough could bypass the need for large-scale ammonia plants, reduce CO₂ emissions, and facilitate fertilizer access in remote areas. SuN₂rise merges expertise in chemistry, materials, process, and device engineering to deliver a transformative impact on sustainable agriculture and energy.

Research objectives

Develop a solar-driven process for ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions
The project aims to produce ammonia directly from air and water using solar energy. This will be achieved through an innovative electrocatalytic approach powered by photovoltaic cells. The goal is to drastically reduce energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.

Demonstrate efficient electrochemical nitrogen fixation via a lithium-mediated approach
We will employ a novel lithium-mediated strategy to achieve high nitrogen-to-ammonia conversion efficiencies, overcoming the limitations of current electrochemical nitrogen reduction by minimizing side reactions and contamination issues. It aims to ensure high reproducibility, selectivity, and long-term operational stability.

Design transparent and scalable devices for on-site ammonia production
The project will develop integrated transparent photovoltaic-electrocatalytic devices that can be embedded in greenhouses. This approach will enable decentralized fertilizer production, eliminating the need for large ammonia plants and supporting remote agricultural communities. It also opens new opportunities for ammonia as a safer, high-density energy carrier.