Green Synthesis of Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) Fertilizer Production: via Plasma Water Ice Interaction with Air and NH₃ Plasma

This study presents a novel and ecofriendly method for synthesizing ammonium nitrate using activated prepared through air and ammonia plasma treatments. Initially, PAW containing nitrate ions is produced by treating water with air plasma. This PAW air is then frozen and exposed to low pressure NH₃ plasma, introducing ammonium ions to from NH₄NO₃. We systematically investigate the voltage current characteristics of the air and NH₃ plasma, analyze the generated species and radicals to understand the mechanism of NH₄NO₃ formation, and evaluate the effects of process parameters such as NH₃ gas pressure, applied voltage, and treatment time on the properties of PAW. Our results indicate that all examined process parameters positively influence the properties of PAW. Among these parameters, the duration of NH₃ plasma treatment of PAW ice exerts the most significant effect. Specifically, the concentration of NH4 ions increased by 134.2 percent when the NH₃ treatment time was extended from 0.5 h to 1 h, compared to 12.7 and 33.3 percent increases for NH₃ pressure, ranging from 0.25 to 0.55 mbar, and applied voltage, ranging from 500 to 700 V, respectively. Similarly, variations in pH, oxidation reduction potential, and electrical conductivity were substantially higher with increased treatment time than with changes in gas pressure and applied voltage. The PAW exhibited a neutral to slightly basic pH, making it ideal for soil applications, thereby addressing the existing issue of the high acidity of PAW and its use in agriculture.