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A Review of Ammonia Combustion Reaction Mechanism and Emission Reduction Strategies

Author

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  • Xiqing Zhang

    (School of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Internal Combustion Engine Power Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Advanced Technology Innovation Center of Zero Carbon Power Special Vehicle, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Shiwei Zhao

    (School of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Internal Combustion Engine Power Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Advanced Technology Innovation Center of Zero Carbon Power Special Vehicle, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Qisheng Zhang

    (Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Internal Combustion Engine Power Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Advanced Technology Innovation Center of Zero Carbon Power Special Vehicle, Taiyuan 030024, China
    High-end Heavy Machinery Equipment Research Institute, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Yaojie Wang

    (School of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Internal Combustion Engine Power Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Advanced Technology Innovation Center of Zero Carbon Power Special Vehicle, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Jian Zhang

    (School of Vehicle and Traffic Engineering, Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Shanxi Engineering Research Center of Internal Combustion Engine Power Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
    Advanced Technology Innovation Center of Zero Carbon Power Special Vehicle, Taiyuan 030024, China)

Abstract

Combustion is a key method for converting energy, historically relying on fossil fuels like coal and oil, which have significant drawbacks for sustainable development. Ammonia (NH 3 ) is highlighted as a viable hydrogen carrier with high hydrogen content, easy liquefaction, and better transportation characteristics compared to hydrogen. Despite its potential, ammonia combustion faces challenges such as NOx emissions and combustion performance, necessitating further research into its combustion dynamics. This systematic review is geared towards encapsulating the latest advancements in the research and development initiatives pertaining to ammonia fuel combustion, with a particular emphasis on elucidating the chemical kinetics and strategies for controlling nitrogen oxide emissions, and delineates the technical hurdles and prospective research avenues associated with ammonia combustion.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiqing Zhang & Shiwei Zhao & Qisheng Zhang & Yaojie Wang & Jian Zhang, 2025. "A Review of Ammonia Combustion Reaction Mechanism and Emission Reduction Strategies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:1707-:d:1623193
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cai, Tao & Tang, Aikun & Zhao, Dan & Zhou, Chen & Huang, Qiuhan, 2020. "Flame dynamics and stability of premixed methane/air in micro-planar quartz combustors," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).
    2. Hookyung Lee & Min-Jung Lee, 2021. "Recent Advances in Ammonia Combustion Technology in Thermal Power Generation System for Carbon Emission Reduction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-29, September.
    3. Issayev, Gani & Giri, Binod Raj & Elbaz, Ayman M. & Shrestha, Krishna P. & Mauss, Fabian & Roberts, William L. & Farooq, Aamir, 2022. "Ignition delay time and laminar flame speed measurements of ammonia blended with dimethyl ether: A promising low carbon fuel blend," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 1353-1370.
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    1. Novianti Dwi & Kurniawati Ischia & Yonmo Sung, 2025. "Review of Ammonia Oxy-Combustion Technologies: Fundamental Research and Its Various Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-44, April.

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