New Electrolyte Sodium tetrafluoroborate NaBF4

January 5, 2023 2 Mins Read
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New Electrolyte Sodium tetrafluoroborate NaBF4

Scientists from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous instutite under Department of Science and Technology (DST), have introducted a new electrolyte Sodium tetrafluoroborate NaBF4.

What is Sodium tetrafluoroborate NaBF4?

NaBF4 is a colourless inorganic compound. It is soluble in water and forms colourless water-soluble crystal.

What is the significance of New Electrolyte Sodium tetrafluoroborate NaBF4?

  • At the present time, electrochemical ammonia formation is limited mainly due to poor solubility of Nitrogen (N2) in an aqueous electrochemical solution.
  • New electrolyte NaBF4 acts as a nitrogen (N2) carrier in the aqueous medium and works as a “co-catalyst” along with active material transition-metal doped nanocarbon (MnN4).
  • It helps maintain N2 concentration in the solution and delivers a high ammonia (NH3) yield at ambient conditions.
  • NaBF4 can make electrochemical ammonia (NH3) synthesis more efficient and will also be useful for industries producing green energy or hydrogen (H2).

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What is Ammonia (NH3)?

  • It is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NH3.
  • it is a color gas with a pungent smell.
  • NH3 is highly soluble in water and is the second most manufactured substance in quantity after sulphuric acid (H2SO4).
Chemical Reaction for Ammonia production

What are the applications of Ammonia?

  • Industries: It is used in wastewater treatment, printing, cosmetics, rubber, paper, leather, food, and beverage industries. NH3 can also be used as a refrigerant gas.
  • Agriculture: Almost 90% of the ammonia produced is used in agriculture industries, which includes fertilizers like urea, ammonium nitrate, etc.
  • Manufacture: It is often used in the manufacturing of various compounds like nitric acid, ammonium carbonate, hydrogen cyanide, phenol, amino acids, etc.
  • Petroleum: It is used to neutralize acid constituents in crude oil.
  • Mining: It is used to extract various metals like Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), and Molybdenum (Mo).
  • Water treatment: NH3 is used to control pH of the water.

Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST)

  • INST is an autonomous institute under DST, established under NANO MISSION.
  • It aims to promote the growth and outreach of nanoscience technology for the benefit of the country.

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