To pull this off, LANXESS relies on innovative technology with high energy efficiency. At the new plant, nitrous oxide is split into nitrogen and oxygen at temperatures of around 1,000 degrees Celsius, completely neutralizing the greenhouse gas. Then, at temperatures between 250 and 450 degrees Celsius, the installation further breaks down nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and water. Specially developed ceramic heat exchangers capture the heat that is released and then reuse it. As a result, far less energy needs to be added from outside to keep the process going.
Operational since the end of 2020, the new, cutting-edge plant is the largest of its kind in Europe and will be significantly expanded from 2023.