Li-Mediated Electrochemical Nitrogen Fixation: Key Advances and Future Perspectives

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction holds great potential for ammonia production using electricity generated from renewable energy sources and is sustainable. The low solubility of nitrogen in aqueous media, poor kinetics, and intrinsic competition by the hydrogen evolution reaction result in meager ammonia production rates. Attributing measured ammonia as a valid product, not an impurity, is challenging despite rigorous analytical experimentation. In this regard, Li-mediated electrochemical nitrogen reduction is a proven method providing significant ammonia yields. Herein, fundamental advances and insights into the Li-mediated strategy are summarized, emphasizing the role of lithium, reaction parameters, cell designs, and mechanistic evaluation. Challenges and perspectives are presented to highlight the prospects of this strategy as a continuous, stable, and modular approach toward sustainable ammonia production.

Automated summary

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction has great potential for sustainable ammonia production using electricity from renewable energy sources. However, challenges such as low nitrogen solubility, poor kinetics, and competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction have limited ammonia production rates. The Li-mediated electrochemical nitrogen reduction strategy has been proven to be effective in achieving significant ammonia yields. This article summarizes the advances and insights into the Li-mediated strategy, including the role of lithium, reaction parameters, cell designs, and mechanistic evaluation, and presents the challenges and prospects of this strategy for sustainable ammonia production as a continuous, stable, and modular approach.