Researchers at Monash University have redesigned the cathode in an electrochemical ammonia cell to sidestep the energy penalty of lithium metal deposition. Using gallium-based materials that alloy with lithium, the team achieved a faradaic efficiency of 96% and estimates the process could reach 22% overall energy efficiency. That is a major step for green ammonia, which is currently made almost entirely by the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. Green ammonia matters for two reasons: it can replace fossil-based fertilizer, and it can store renewable energy as a carbon-free shipping fuel. The new electrode design does not solve scale-up or long-term durability yet. But it shows the main efficiency barrier is not fundamental, and it opens a design space for other alloying materials.
