The Underpotential Deposition of Lithium Ions from Acetonitrile Solutions with Small Amounts of Water

Abstract

AbstractVoltammetric and coulometric studies have been performed of the underpotential deposition of Li+ ions from solution in acetonitrile. This process does not result in a Li monolayer if only small amounts of water are present. The deposited lithium reacts with water, primarily forming a LiOH layer. Underneath this layer, further Li+ reduction leads to the formation of a lithium hydride. This hydride with an excess of Li can in parallel form a lithium gold alloy. The reoxidation of the lithium hydride results either in the formation of Li+ ions and hydrogen or Li+ and H+ ions depending on the oxidation potential.