Lithium-mediated electrochemical dinitrogen reduction reaction

Abstract

The Haber–Bosch process is the dominant approach for NH₃ production today, but the process has to be maintained at energy-intensive high temperatures and pressures. Li-mediated electrocatalytic dinitrogen reduction reaction (eN₂RR) could instead enable sustainable and green NH₃ production at ambient conditions. Lithium mediators realize the synthesis of NH₃via the formation of Li₃N, and thus lower the energy required for the direct cleavage of N₂. There has now been a surge of interest in devising approaches to optimize the NH₃ yield rate and faradaic efficiency of the eN₂RR process by employing different catalysts as well as electrolytes. This review discusses the recent advances in the field of the Li-mediated eN₂RR along with the latest insights into the proposed catalytic mechanisms. Moreover, it also highlights the state-of-the-art reported electrocatalysts and electrolytes that have revolutionized the field of the Li-mediated eN₂RR. In addition to the above, our review provides a critical overview of certain limitations and a future prospectus that will provide a way forward to explore this area.

Keywords: Nitrogen reduction reaction; Ammonia; Electrocatalysis; Lithium; Reaction mechanism.