Membrane electrode assembly: Another technical roadmap for lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction?

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia still suffers from low efficiency due to the extremely inert N≡N and ultra-low solubility of nitrogen in the electrolyte. In a recent issue of Energy & Environmental Science, Zhang, Cai, and co-workers proposed a feasible membrane electrode assembly configuration for lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction, showing merits of efficient gas transfer, reduced solvent consumption, and potential to heightened energy efficiency. Electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia still suffers from low efficiency due to the extremely inert N≡N and ultra-low solubility of nitrogen in the electrolyte. In a recent issue of Energy & Environmental Science, Zhang, Cai, and co-workers proposed a feasible membrane electrode assembly configuration for lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction, showing merits of efficient gas transfer, reduced solvent consumption, and potential to heightened energy efficiency.