In situ powder neutron diffraction study of non-stoichiometric phase formation during the hydrogenation of Li3N.

The hydrogenation of Li3N at low chemical potential has been studied in situ by time-of-flight powder neutron diffraction and the formation of a non-stoichiometric Li4-2xNH phase and Li4NH observed. The results are interpreted in terms of a model for the reaction pathway involving the production of Li4NH and Li2NH, which subsequently react together to form Li4-2xNH. Possible mechanisms for the production of Li4NH from the hydrogenation of Li3N are discussed.