Paving the way for lithium–nitrogen batteries, one hurdle at a time

Paving the way for lithium–nitrogen batteries, one hurdle at a time

A research group from Belgium and China has presented a roadmap for the development of lithium–nitrogen (Li–N₂) batteries. In these batteries, lithium reacts electrochemically with nitrogen gas to form lithium nitride (Li₃N) during discharge and, ideally, regenerates lithium and nitrogen during charging. Although the first reversible Li–N₂ battery was demonstrated nearly a decade ago, practical development of the technology has remained limited.…