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. A successful method for producing significant amounts of ammonia is through Li-mediated electrochemical nitrogen reduction. Important advancements and observations regarding the Li-mediated approach, such as the significance of lithium, reaction conditions, cell designs, and mechanistic analysis are presented. The challenges and future potential of this strategy as a consistent, reliable, and adaptable method for sustainable ammonia production, are also discussed.image