Lithium nitride

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.

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 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:

\[6 \, \text{Li} + N_2 \rightarrow 2 \, \text{Li}_3\text{N}\]

Care must be taken to avoid contamination with oxygen or moisture, as lithium nitride reacts readily with both to form lithium hydroxide and ammonia.

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 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.

See also

• Lithium
• Nitrogen
• Inorganic compounds
• Electrochemistry
• Solid-state battery