Lithium–Nitrogen Battery: Promise and Development Roadmap

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lithium–nitrogen (Li–N 2 ) batteries offer a unique electrochemical paradigm that combines intrinsically safe energy storage with sustainable N 2 conversion to value‐added chemicals. About ten years after the first ground‐breaking report, the practical development of Li–N 2 batteries is still restricted by poor reversibility and limited cycling stability. Here, we first introduce this highly innovative and promising Li–N 2 battery technology and then specify the key challenges ahead for the poor reversibility of Li–N 2 batteries from reaction mechanisms, characterization technologies, and the battery configurations. We further highlight a flow field‐assisted “flow‐type” cell configuration that presents exciting future opportunities to realize reversible Li–N 2 batteries. Besides, we discuss that the diversity in terms of electrolytes, electrode materials, and separators is key to establishing long‐term Li–N 2 batteries. The possible mechanistic pathways of N 2 reduction and lithiation over heterogeneous electrocatalysts are also discussed. We recommend a rigorous experimental protocol for evaluating Li–N 2 batteries to ensure reproducibility and reliable performance comparison across studies. Overall, this perspective aims to inspire future generations of researchers to advance both fundamental understanding and practical breakthroughs, thereby engineering a paradigm shift in Li–N 2 chemistry research.