Chinese researchers use atmospheric nitrogen to recharge batteries
Chinese researchers from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry have detailed a method for capturing atmospheric nitrogen for use in next-gen energy storage batteries. The proof-of-concept design involves using nitrogen taken from the atmosphere to reverse the chemical reaction caused by discharging lithium-nitrogen batteries, effectively recharging them. The method produces batteries that are similar in efficacy to other lithium-metal batteries.
Nitrogen battery Zhang et. al.

Despite various breakthroughs in battery technology, we still rely on tried-and-tested Li-ion, mainly because it's cheap. In the hunt for an alternative that won't break the bank, is more environmentally friendly and sustainable, researchers from China have discovered a way to generate power from nitrogen gas – one the most abundant gases in the world.

Nitrogen makes up almost 80 per cent of our atmosphere but nitrogen gas, which consists of two nitrogen atoms held together by a strong triple covalent bond, doesn't break up easily under normal conditions. This makes it difficult to transfer the chemical energy of the bond into electricity.

Now, a group of researchers from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry has outlined one way atmospheric nitrogen can be captured and used in a battery for next-generation energy storage systems.

The "proof-of-concept" design reverses the chemical reaction that powers existing Lithium-nitrogen batteries.

“We have demonstrated that electrochemical N2 fixation in ambient conditions is possible with rechargeable Li-N2 batteries,” the authors explained. Instead of generating energy from the breakdown of lithium nitride into lithium and nitrogen gas, the battery prototype runs on atmospheric nitrogen in ambient conditions. This reacts with lithium to form lithium nitride.