Advancing Lithium-Mediated Nitrogen Reduction using Insights from Lithium-Ion Battery: Focusing on Uniform Li Plating

Abstract

Lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction reaction (Li-NRR) offers a promising alternative to the energy-intensive Haber–Bosch process for ammonia (NH3) synthesis, enabling renewable-powered NH3 production. However, this technology faces multiple challenges in terms of Faradaic efficiency (FE), energy efficiency (EE), stability and scalability. These problems arise from a variety of causes, but they have one thing in common: they can be improved by uniform deposition of lithium (Li). Therefore, promoting uniform Li plating could serve as a key breakthrough in addressing these issues. This review highlights various studies focusing on the issues associated with Li-NRR and proposes ideas based on previously reported research on Li metal battery (LMB) systems, which exhibit similarities with the Li-NRR systems with respect to Li plating and the formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). Effective cross-pollination of various methods, including electrode modifications, solvation control of Li+, and application of additives, are introduced. Elaboration of correspondences between Li-NRR and LMB systems suggests an efficient research strategy for advancing the Li-NRR field. This review underscores the synergistic potential of hybrid strategies for addressing the critical challenges related to Li-NRR and provides future research directions and possibilities in this field, which would eventually accelerate progress toward sustainable green NH3 production.