Chemical engineers are increasingly focusing on the development of greener alternatives for industrial chemicals to mitigate environmental impacts. A recent collaborative study led by researchers from Yokohama National University delves into this pressing issue, specifically examining the cocrystallization of ammonium nitrate (AN) with glycine (Gly). They have successfully synthesized a new compound that offers significant improvements in chemical stability and reduced hygroscopicity. The findings were published on November 6, 2024, in the esteemed journal “Chemical Communications.”
Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a compound widely utilized as a fertilizer and in various explosive applications due to its properties as an excellent oxidizer. However, AN has notable environmental drawbacks. Residual metals like potassium and copper used in conventional oxidizers can pose serious ecological threats. Thus, finding alternatives that maintain the explosive and oxidizing advantages of AN while minimizing environmental harm is of paramount importance.
One of the significant challenges with ammonium nitrate is its hygroscopic nature. This means that AN tends to absorb moisture from the air, altering its chemical behavior in processes where it serves as an oxidizer. Additionally, ammonium nitrate can undergo phase transitions, which complicate its storage and handling. These phase changes can impact the material’s performance, particularly in applications requiring precise control over combustion characteristics.
To tackle these challenges, the research team led by Professor Mieko Kumasaki employed a cocrystallization technique. Cocrystallization involves the combination of two or more compounds to form a single crystal structure. The process alters the physical properties of the resultant compound, potentially enhancing its stability and performance characteristics while diminishing its undesirable properties, such as hygroscopicity.
In this innovative study, the chemical engineers combined glycine, an amino acid known for its environmentally friendly properties, with ammonium nitrate to create cocrystals. The resulting molecular interactions between AN and glycine significantly reduced the interaction each molecule has with water vapor in the atmosphere, thereby minimizing the hygroscopic behavior of the cocrystal. This method also proved effective in stabilizing both compounds, successfully addressing the concern of temperature-induced phase transitions.
Professor Kumasaki pointed out that cocrystallization can elevate the usability of conventional materials by enhancing their properties. Unlike other methods that only address a single issue, such as coating, cocrystallization with glycine concurrently mitigates both hygroscopicity and phase transitions. This dual-functionality presents a significant advancement in material design, particularly for creating more environmentally benign energetic materials.
The researchers underscored the importance of selecting the right partner molecule for cocrystallization. Glycine was chosen due to its relatively low carbon and hydrogen content compared to other potential candidates. A previous study had explored the cocrystallization of AN with sarcosine, another amino acid. However, the sarcosine cocrystal exhibited an unsatisfactory oxygen balance, making it less effective as an energetic material. By integrating glycine into the cocrystallization process, the team found a way to substantially improve the oxygen balance of the resulting cocrystal while minimizing the environmental footprint.
Optimizing energetic materials is crucial, especially considering their performance in applications requiring combustion. The study showed that the new AN/Gly cocrystalline compound, with a more favorable oxygen balance compared to other combinations, presents a safer alternative without sacrificing functionality. The research indicates that these cocrystals do not only offer enhanced physical properties but also maintain sufficient safety levels for handling, subsequently passing various friction sensitivity tests.
Encouraged by these promising outcomes, the team envisions the broader application of this methodology. The synthesis of such environmentally friendly energetic materials could revolutionize a variety of industries, including defense, agriculture, and mining. Furthermore, it establishes a foundation for ongoing research aimed at developing safe and stable materials capable of delivering effective performance without environmentally detrimental effects.
Kazuki Inoue from the Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences at Yokohama National University spearheaded the research which was a coordinated effort involving several institutes, including the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan (JNIOSH) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). Their collective expertise enabled a comprehensive exploration of the cocrystallization process, effectively allowing the study to balance chemistry and environmental science.
This research was made possible through funding from the Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Explosives Technology and the Collaborative Investigation Promotion Program Task C of Yokohama National University. This financial support was vital in advancing the investigation of sustainable chemical practices that can be utilized across multiple industrial sectors, further emphasizing the importance of environmental chemistry in addressing current global challenges.
Yokohama National University has always emphasized practical education that aligns with contemporary scientific advancements. This initiative highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering research that not only enriches academic discourse but also contributes real-world solutions to pressing environmental and safety issues. The evolution of ammonium nitrate into a more environmentally friendly compound through innovative methods could signal a new era in handling and developing energetic materials.
As the quest for sustainability within the chemical industry continues, the collaboration presented in this research stands as a robust example of how interdisciplinary efforts can lead to significant scientific breakthroughs. By focusing on greener alternatives and innovative techniques, researchers can pave the way for safer, more efficient, and environmentally conscious materials that cater to an increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions.
In conclusion, the amalgamation of ammonium nitrate and glycine through cocrystallization not only demonstrates the intricate relationship between chemistry and environmental stewardship but also serves as a hopeful exemplar of how industrial processes can evolve. This research emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation in the search for materials that fulfill both functional and ecological responsibilities, providing a vital contribution toward a sustainable future.
Subject of Research: Cocrystallization of Ammonium Nitrate with Glycine
Article Title: Synthesis of environmentally friendly energetic cocrystal derived from commodity chemicals
News Publication Date: November 6, 2024
Web References: Chemical Communications
References: DOI 10.1039/D4CC04037F
Image Credits: Credit: Yokohama National University
Keywords
Environmental methods, Phase transitions, Glycine
Tags: alternatives to traditional oxidizersammonium nitrate phase transitionschemical engineering innovationschemical stability improvementscocrystallization of ammonium nitrateecological threats of residual metalsenvironmental impact of ammonium nitrateexplosive applications of ammonium nitrateglycine cocrystallization benefitsgreener industrial chemicalsreduced hygroscopicity in fertilizerssustainable chemical practices
