Tufts University's chemist, Luke Davis, is leading a research project to revolutionize iron and steel production by substituting coke with hydrogen-rich ammonia. This innovative approach aims to drastically reduce the carbon footprint associated with the traditional iron smelting process, which currently accounts for 4% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually. The project, funded by a $2.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, is part of the efforts under the Revolutionizing Ore to Steel to Impact Emissions program. The proposed method involves utilizing ammonia to replace coke, as it offers a more sustainable alternative by producing water instead of carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Despite challenges in producing hydrogen at scale, ammonia is considered a viable option due to its dense hydrogen content and existing large-scale production from low-grade fossil fuels. With the U.S. already producing ample ammonia, the transition to an ammonia-based ironmaking process could be achieved in a relatively short timeframe. To improve efficiency, ongoing research focuses on accelerating the reaction process when using ammonia in iron production. Collaborating with institutions like Cornell University, the University of Minnesota, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the project aims to analyze solid state reactions, assess iron products for steel production, and evaluate the economic feasibility of the new process. The ultimate goal is to develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to iron production that significantly reduces carbon emissions and impacts the global steel industry positively.