Lithium nitride: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:36, 15 February 2025

Lithium Nitride[edit]

Lithium nitride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Li_N. It is the only stable alkali metal nitride and is a red or purple solid. Lithium nitride is notable for its high ionic conductivity and is used in various applications, including as a precursor to other lithium compounds and in battery technology.

Structure[edit]

Lithium nitride crystallizes in a hexagonal structure, which is depicted in the adjacent image. The structure consists of layers of lithium ions and nitrogen ions. Each nitrogen ion is surrounded by six lithium ions, forming a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement. This unique structure contributes to its high ionic conductivity.

Properties[edit]

Lithium nitride is a highly reactive compound. It reacts with water to produce ammonia and lithium hydroxide:

Li_N + 3 H_O _ 3 LiOH + NH_

It is also reactive with carbon dioxide and can be used to absorb this gas. The compound is stable in dry air but decomposes in moist air.

Applications[edit]

Lithium nitride is used in the synthesis of other lithium compounds. It serves as a precursor in the production of lithium amide and lithium hydride. Due to its high ionic conductivity, it is also of interest in the development of solid-state batteries.

Related pages[edit]

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-{{svg-image}}
+== Lithium Nitride ==
-'''Lithium nitride''' ([[Li3N]]) is an [[inorganic compound]] composed of [[lithium]], the lightest [[alkali metal]], and [[nitrogen]], a [[nonmetal]] from the [[pnictogen]] group. It is a red or purple crystalline solid under standard conditions and is one of the few stable binary [[nitrides]] of lithium.
+[[File:Structure_Li3N.svg|thumb|right|200px|Crystal structure of lithium nitride (Li_N)]]
+'''Lithium nitride''' is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Li_N. It is the only stable alkali metal nitride and is a red or purple solid. Lithium nitride is notable for its high ionic conductivity and is used in various applications, including as a precursor to other lithium compounds and in battery technology.
+== Structure ==
+Lithium nitride crystallizes in a hexagonal structure, which is depicted in the adjacent image. The structure consists of layers of lithium ions and nitrogen ions. Each nitrogen ion is surrounded by six lithium ions, forming a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement. This unique structure contributes to its high ionic conductivity.
 == Properties ==
-Lithium nitride has a [[crystal structure]] that belongs to the hexagonal crystal system. It is known for its high [[ionic conductivity]], which makes it of interest for use in [[solid state]] [[batteries]] as a solid electrolyte. The compound is highly reactive with [[water]], releasing [[ammonia]] in the process, and it should be handled with care due to its reactivity and the potential for releasing toxic gases.
-== Synthesis ==
+Lithium nitride is a highly reactive compound. It reacts with water to produce ammonia and lithium hydroxide:
-Lithium nitride is typically synthesized by the direct combination of elemental lithium with nitrogen gas. This process involves heating lithium metal in a pure nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures around 200-300°C. The reaction is highly exothermic:
-\[6 \, \text{Li} + N_2 \rightarrow 2 \, \text{Li}_3\text{N}\]
+: Li_N + 3 H_O _ 3 LiOH + NH_
-Care must be taken to avoid contamination with [[oxygen]] or [[moisture]], as lithium nitride reacts readily with both to form lithium [[hydroxide]] and [[ammonia]].
+It is also reactive with carbon dioxide and can be used to absorb this gas. The compound is stable in dry air but decomposes in moist air.
 == Applications ==
-The primary application of lithium nitride is in the field of [[electrochemistry]], where it is explored as an electrolyte in solid-state batteries. Its high ionic conductivity and stability under battery operating conditions make it a promising material for this application. Additionally, its ability to store [[lithium ions]] offers potential for use in [[lithium-ion batteries]] and other energy storage systems.
-== Safety ==
+Lithium nitride is used in the synthesis of other lithium compounds. It serves as a precursor in the production of lithium amide and lithium hydride. Due to its high ionic conductivity, it is also of interest in the development of solid-state batteries.
-Lithium nitride is a hazardous material that requires careful handling. It reacts violently with water to produce ammonia and lithium hydroxide, both of which are hazardous. It should be stored under an inert atmosphere and handled using appropriate safety precautions to prevent exposure to moisture or air.
+== Related pages ==
-== See also ==
 * [[Lithium]]
 * [[Nitrogen]]
-* [[Inorganic compounds]]
+* [[Ionic conductivity]]
-* [[Electrochemistry]]
 * [[Solid-state battery]]
-[[Category:Inorganic compounds]]
 [[Category:Lithium compounds]]
 [[Category:Nitrides]]