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

Summary 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 ⇋ 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 /Li 3 N cycle strategy for next-generation electrochemical energy-storage systems.