In a statement received on Friday, he said the method uses Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma technology to produce ammonia directly from water and nitrogen gas.
Global ammonia production still relies on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which requires high temperatures and pressure and contributes to carbon emissions.
"Unlike conventional methods, this system can operate at room temperature and pressure without requiring extreme conditions or additional hydrogen gas," he said.
When nitrogen gas is supplied with electrical energy, it forms plasma that generates reactive nitrogen species. The plasma then interacts with water, breaking it into hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals, which react with nitrogen to form ammonia.
The study evaluated several operational parameters, including nitrogen flow rate, electrical power, electrode spacing, water type, and pH level.
Optimal results were achieved at a nitrogen flow rate of 1.4 liters per minute, 75 watts of power, and an electrode distance of 1 centimeter, using deionized water with a pH of around 5 and without ultraviolet (UV) light.
Under these conditions, ammonia concentration reached 19.7 parts per million (ppm) within 30 minutes.
The study found that deionized water produced higher ammonia yields than tap water, whose mineral content can trigger side reactions that inhibit formation. Exposure to UV light also reduced yields by accelerating ammonia decomposition.
"Using highly pure water provides more optimal results, while UV exposure tends to lower ammonia concentration," he said.
The study shows that a simple DBD plasma system can serve as an alternative for ammonia production without catalysts, complex pretreatment, or additional hydrogen gas.
However, Swantomo noted that the current production scale remains limited to the laboratory level and cannot yet match industrial capacity.
He expressed hope that the technology can be further developed as a cleaner and more efficient solution to support sustainable agriculture and global food security.
Related news: Indonesia to export urea to 3 nations amid Strait of Hormuz closure
Related news: Global markets turn to Indonesian fertilizer amid disruptions: Govt
Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Katriana
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
