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).

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.