Nature of the Lithium Amide–Imide Catalyst System under Ammonia Decomposition Conditions

The varying stoichiometry of the lithium amide–imide ammonia decomposition catalyst under working conditions was ascertained by calculating the gas release events in the ammonia decomposition experiments. Rather than varying smoothly between amide and imide, the gas releases showed evidence of a molten state with a majority of amide stoichiometry before converting at temperatures above 460 °C to a solid with a majority of imide stoichiometry. At higher temperatures, there was indirect evidence of nitride hydride groups being formed within the catalyst structure.