Reversible Nitrogen Fixation Based on a Rechargeable Lithium-Nitrogen Battery for Energy Storage

Although the availability of nitrogen (N-2) from the atmosphere for N-2 fixation is limitless, it is immensely challenging to artificially fix N-2 at ambient temperature and pressure given the element's chemical inertness and stability. In this article, as a proof-of-concept experiment, we report on the successful implementation of a reversible N-2 cycle based on a rechargeable lithium-nitrogen (Li-N-2) battery with the proposed reversible reaction of 6Li + N-2 reversible arrow 2Li(3)N. The assembled N-2 fixation battery system, consisting of a Li anode, ether-based electrolyte, and a carbon cloth cathode, shows a promising electrochemical faradic efficiency (59%). The unique properties of Li-N-2 rechargeable batteries not only provide promising candidates for N-2 fixation but also enable an advanced N-2/Li3N cycle strategy for next-generation electrochemical energy-storage systems.