Interaction of nitrogen with lithium in lithium ion batteries

The reaction of N2 with lithium at electrode in lithium ion batteries was reported in this paper. At room temperature, N2 can react with lithium, mainly at anode, to form Li3N in an electrochemical system very easily during charge–discharge cycles. Li3N 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 TiO2-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 Li3N at room temperature.