A Comprehensive Review of Ammonia Decomposition for Hydrogen Production

As a zero-carbon energy source, hydrogen possesses immense application potential, yet its industrialization progress is constrained by storage and transportation efficiency and economic feasibility. Ammonia has emerged as a promising hydrogen carrier owing to its exceptional hydrogen storage density (17.6 wt %), ambient-temperature stability for transportation, and intrinsic safety advantages. This review systematically summarizes breakthrough advancements in ammonia decomposition technologies, deconstructing the intrinsic characteristics of hydrogen storage via ammonia at theoretical levels. Through thermochemical, electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and plasma-assisted pathways, we comprehensively compare thermodynamic regulation strategies with kinetic enhancement approaches while revealing determinant factors of decomposition efficiency through multidimensional parameter analysis. Special emphasis is placed on cutting-edge numerical simulation applications, encompassing cross-scale modeling platforms ranging from molecular-scale catalyst performance prediction to macroscopic reactor design. The energy correlations between hydrogen separation and purification technologies are mechanistically elucidated, establishing theoretical foundations for coupling green ammonia production with hydrogen energy networks. This study provides critical insights for achieving deep decarbonization of energy infrastructure, offering scientific guidance and engineering directives for sustainable energy industry development through efficient hydrogen carrier utilization.