Cu(N₂)-Li Battery for Ammonia Synthesis

The cathodic mechanism of Li-N₂ batteries is similar to Li-mediated N₂ reduction (LiNR). Herein, the Li-N₂, LiNR, and Cu-Li battery were amalgamated to a milliliter-scale Cu(N₂)-Li system. The utilization of a lithium anode with lithium oxidation reaction (LiOR), ensures an uninterrupted supply of lithium ions to active N₂. LiOR not only enhances electrolyte stability but also reduces voltage by stripping Li ions, in contrast to the inert platinum anode, commonly employed in LiNR. Notably, an unusual observation of ammonia accumulation within the anode chamber elucidates the presence and role of reaction intermediates. The charging process aimed at lithium regeneration faces high polarization, and a cycling procedure involving low-current charging was proposed to improve cycling. This study integrates insights from three distinct research directions to leverage their respective advantages and scientific insights. The Li-N₂ battery emerges as a highly advantageous strategy for ammonia synthesis due to the progressiveness of lithium anode.