Intercoupled electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis via a looped Li-N₂/H₂ battery.

ABSTRACT: Electrochemical ammonia (NH₃) synthesis offers a sustainable pathway for the chemical industry. However, the fundamental proton-coupled nitrogen (N₂) reduction process has led to the competing H₂ evolution and low energy efficiency, particularly at high current densities. Herein, we present the design of a looped Li-N₂/H₂ battery that decouples N₂ reduction from protonation by two separate sub-reactions of electrocatalytic N₂ reduction in discharging (6Li⁺ + 6e^- + N₂ → 2Li₃N) and electrocatalytic H₂ oxidation in charging (H₂ → 2H⁺ + 2e^-), which are intercoupled into a synthetic loop to enable NH₃ synthesis (Li_3<

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12900419 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature