A groundbreaking research paper authored by Li Jun and his team from the Center for Transformative Molecular Frontier Science at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and published in Science, unveils a significant milestone: the team has achieved, for the first time, the stable electrochemical synthesis of ammonia. This breakthrough was accomplished at a high current density of 100 mA cm⁻² and an energy efficiency of 21%, all under continuous-flow conditions at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This achievement paves the way for a revolutionary technological approach to large-scale green ammonia production.

The traditional Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, while widely used, comes with inherent drawbacks. Similarly, lithium-mediated electrochemical ammonia reduction has encountered its own set of bottlenecks. In response to these challenges, Li Jun's team ingeniously devised a functionally stratified hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) structure, termed DDLA. This innovative structure significantly enhances lithium-ion transport efficiency and effectively overcomes the interface stability issues that arise under high current densities.

Experimental results are highly promising, showcasing that the new system attains a Faradaic efficiency of 98% and an energy efficiency of 21% at the specified current density. Moreover, it demonstrates remarkable stability, operating continuously for 50 hours without significant degradation. The underlying mechanisms elucidated in this study hold immense reference value for the burgeoning new energy sector, offering insights that could drive further advancements.

The research was spearheaded by Li Jun, who served as both the corresponding and first author. The study received robust support from multiple projects, underscoring the collaborative effort and resources dedicated to this pioneering work.