Rare-metal-free catalyst enables low-temperature ammonia cracking to hydrogen
Israeli deep-tech startup CatAmmon is developing patented ceramic-based catalyst technologies for ammonia cracking and ammonia synthesis, based on more than five years of academic research.
The company’s ammonia cracking catalyst enables the conversion of ammonia into hydrogen at temperatures of approximately 350–400 °C, significantly lower than conventional nickel-based systems and without the use of rare or precious metals such as ruthenium. The ceramic-based formulation is designed to address cost and supply-chain constraints associated with traditional cracking technologies.
Lower operating temperatures and rare-metal-free materials can reduce system complexity and capital expenditure, supporting the use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier in distributed, mobility, and industrial applications.
In parallel, CatAmmon is advancing a separate patented catalyst for ammonia synthesis that operates near atmospheric pressure (approximately 1.5–2 bar). This approach differs from conventional Haber–Bosch processes, which typically require pressures above 150 bar, and is intended to simplify plant design and reduce the cost of green ammonia production, particularly for decentralized facilities powered by renewable energy.
Within its first year, CatAmmon raised USD 1.85 million and is currently executing multiple proof-of-concept projects with international partners, including a major materials manufacturer in Japan, an automotive company in Korea, an engineering firm in Switzerland, and research institutes in Germany.
The company expects to begin commercial sales in 2027 and reach profitability in 2028. CatAmmon is now seeking an additional USD 2 million to support advanced pilot projects with strategic market players, scale production, and accelerate development of its low-pressure ammonia synthesis technology.
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Rare-metal-free catalyst enables low-temperature ammonia cracking to hydrogen
