Decomposition of lithium amide and imide films on nickel

Thin films of lithium hydride, lithium amide and lithium imide were grown from lithium and ammonia under controlled conditions in an ultra high vacuum chamber. By making thin films instead of bulk or powder samples, it was possible to study the stability and the release of hydrogen without influence of transport phenomena. Surprisingly, lithium amide and lithium imide were seen to decompose at higher temperatures than lithium hydride. Furthermore, it was seen that hydrogen reversibly could be removed by heat treatment and subsequently refilled.