To explore these alternative mediators, the first challenge is to understand what makes lithium metal effective for ammonia production in a mediated process. The process proceeds with a series of electrochemical steps and chemical steps. The hypothesized mechanism involves Li deposition (electrochemical step) N₂ activation on lithium to form lithium nitride (chemical step), followed by its protolysis (chemical step) using a proton donor (e.g., ethanol) to generate NH₃, along with the regeneration of lithium sites. Based on the unique features of lithium including its stable nitride decomposition and optimal solid electrolyte interphase, which contribute to its exceptional selectivity, several criteria for a successful mediator of NH₃ electrosynthesis have been previously identified , including: (1) spontaneous nitride formation in the presence of N₂ (thermodynamics) and facile N₂ activation (kinetics), (2) stability of surface nitrogen vacancies in the nitride, (3) exergonic binding of N₂ at these surface vacancies, (4) solubility of mediator salts in non-aqueous electrolytes, and (5) facile diffusion of nitrogen in the bulk nitride.