Liquid hydrogen carriers will soon play a significant role in transporting energy. The key factors that are considered when assessing the applicability of ammonia cracking in large-scale projects are as follows: high energy density, easy storage and distribution, the simplicity of the overall process, and a low or zero-carbon footprint. Thermal systems used for recovering H2 from ammonia require a reaction unit and catalyst that operates at a high temperature (550-800 °C) for the complete conversion of ammonia, which has a negative effect on the economics of the process. A non-thermal plasma (NTP) solution is the answer to this problem. Ammonia becomes a reliable hydrogen carrier and, in combination with NTP, offers the high conversion of the dehydrogenation process at a relatively low temperature so that zero-carbon pure hydrogen can be transported over long distances. This paper provides a critical overview of ammonia decomposition systems that focus on non-thermal methods, especially under plasma conditions. The review shows that the process has various positive aspects and is an innovative process that has only been reported to a limited extent.
Keywords: ammonia splitting; catalysis; green hydrogen synthesis; hydrogen storage; non-thermal plasma.