Interaction of nitrogen with lithium in lithium ion batteries

Abstract

The reaction of N 2 with lithium at electrode in lithium ion batteries was reported in this paper. At room temperature, N 2 can react with lithium, mainly at anode, to form Li 3N in an electrochemical system very easily during charge–discharge cycles. Li 3N has been characterized by XPS. Experimental results also revealed that the higher of the current density and higher of the temperature resulted in quicker of the nitrogen-fixation reaction. Moreover, the reaction of nitrogen with Li was faster at the TiO 2-coated cathode than at the uncoated cathode. The reaction can be brought about almost completely in the lithium ion batteries at room temperature. This could be a new method for preparation of Li 3N at room temperature.