The discussion centers on the feasibility of producing nitrous oxide (N2O) directly from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen without additional chemicals, aside from catalysts. It is established that natural processes, such as lightning, contribute to N2O formation, but these do not provide a practical method for direct synthesis. The most viable route identified involves electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen, followed by the Haber-Bosch process to create ammonia, which can then be oxidized to form N2O. However, this method is deemed inefficient and complex, highlighting the challenges in achieving direct N2O production from air.
PREREQUISITESChemists, environmental scientists, and engineers interested in atmospheric chemistry, nitrogen cycle processes, and sustainable methods for nitrous oxide production.
Does that not mostly just make ozone?mjc123 said:Lightning?
Do you really think that is a good answer to my question?hmmm27 said:
What has your research told you about how N2O is produced, whether naturally or artificially? Did you find any that do not involve intermediate steps?Stormer said:The air is full of nitrogen and oxygen but can this somehow be reacted together to make N2O without any other chemicals involved (other than as a catalyst or other non consumable role)?
Why would one want to do that?Stormer said:The air is full of nitrogen and oxygen but can this somehow be reacted together to make N2O without any other chemicals involved (other than as a catalyst or other non consumable role)?
Stormer said:Does that not mostly just make ozone?
Seems like a good answer. A link is provided for one's edification.Stormer said:Do you really think that is a good answer to my question?
Not much.DaveC426913 said:What has your research told you about how N2O is produced, whether naturally or artificially? Did you find any that do not involve intermediate steps?
To make N2O without having to get other chemicals to do it. For example to make it just using energy and the resources available offshore on a boat.Astronuc said:Why would one want to do that?
So is there a way to do this efficiently and to separate out the N2O with a machine?Astronuc said:The origin of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere is due to the reaction between nitrogen molecules and oxygen atoms formed by the photochemical dissociation of ozone in the atmosphere.
I am obviously not asking for N2O as a trace gas byproduct of another process. I am asking about how you can produce N2O from fluids that is readily available everywhere (like air and water). So no that is not a good answer at all.Astronuc said:Seems like a good answer. A link is provided for one's edification.
That's a bit shifting the goal post. You asked whether it is doable - yes, it is. mjc123 signaled the most obvious natural way in the first post, you listed one in your own post. Now you are asking a different question, one about the process economy. My bet is that no, there are no known more efficient ways than the one you listed, otherwise they would long replace the Haber-Bosh process and its variants (once you have any nitrogen oxide converting it into other nitrogen compounds is relatively simple, it is the initial reaction involving breaking of the triple bond that is the difficult step).Stormer said:But this route is really inefficient and complex.