Nitrogen plays a variety of key roles in the production of lithium batteries. It is used to prevent oxidation, stabilize the atmosphere in the coating area, control the reaction environment to ensure battery life, achieve vacuum or atmosphere protection, clean battery components, bake to remove environmental moisture, prevent welding oxidation, prevent thermal runaway, and prolong battery life. These ensure the performance, safety, and stability of lithium batteries.
The main applications are as follows:
1.Photovoltaic solar cell production
eate a pure, oxygen-free atmosphere and prevent contamination of photovoltaic materials by impurities and oxygen, which helps to ensure the high efficiency and long life of solar cells. In the manufacture of solar cells, high-purity nitrogen is often used, and a nitrogen purity of 99.999% (5N) or higher is usually required to ensure that the manufacturing process is not contaminated by oxygen and other impurities.
2.Lithium battery production.
In lithium battery manufacturing, nitrogen is used to maintain an oxygen-free or hypoxic manufacturing environment, prevent unwanted reactions between highly reactive materials and oxygen in the battery, and improve the safety and stability of the battery. In lithium-ion battery manufacturing, industrial-grade nitrogen (99% to 99.9% purity) is usually sufficient to maintain an oxygen-free or hypoxic environment to prevent oxygen from negatively affecting the materials in the battery.
3.Energy storage systems
In electric energy storage systems, nitrogen can be used as a protective atmosphere for the energy storage system to prevent oxidation and corrosion in batteries or supercapacitors. In electric energy storage systems, the purity requirements for nitrogen are often application-dependent. High purity nitrogen is often required to prevent oxidation and corrosion in batteries or supercapacitors.
In battery production and energy storage, the use of high-purity nitrogen is essential to ensure product quality, improve production efficiency and ensure safety.
The battery and lithium industry requires ultra-high purity nitrogen and oxygen-controlled atmospheres for electrode production, electrolyte filling, and cell assembly. RICH, with over 40 years’ experience and 4,000+ systems installed worldwide, delivers on-site nitrogen, oxygen, and gas purification systems tailored to battery production — ensuring dry, inert environments, improved safety, and high product quality.
Moisture sensitivity: Lithium and electrolyte materials react strongly with water, causing defects or safety risks.
Oxygen control: Even trace oxygen can trigger reactions, compromising battery performance or safety.
Process continuity: Interruptions in gas supply affect electrode coating, electrolyte filling, and cell assembly.
Cylinder dependency: High-purity nitrogen cylinders are costly, logistically challenging, and risk contamination.
Safety: Flammable electrolytes and lithium require reliable inerting to prevent fires or explosions.
Equipment reliability: Production lines operate continuously; systems must be durable and low-maintenance.
Electrode coating & drying: Nitrogen atmosphere prevents oxidation and moisture contamination.
Electrolyte filling: Ultra-dry nitrogen ensures electrolyte integrity and battery performance.
Cell assembly & pouch bag sealing: Controlled nitrogen environment prevents reaction with lithium.
Vacuum drying & roll-to-roll production: Low-moisture nitrogen for electrode and separator handling.
Battery module formation / testing: Stable gas supply ensures reproducible processes.
PNF / PNF+ PSA Nitrogen Generators — high-purity N₂ for electrode drying, electrolyte filling, and assembly.
Membrane Nitrogen Generators — compact, continuous N₂ supply for laboratory or pilot lines.
Desiccant Dryers / Drying Systems — ultra-low dew point gas for moisture-sensitive processes.
VPSA / POF Oxygen Plants — oxygen-controlled environments for specific battery reactions or testing.
Systems can be configured for extreme dryness (dew point < -60°C) and high-purity requirements typical in lithium battery production.
Ultra-high purity & low moisture: RL-VI PSA technology and desiccant dryers provide dry, inert nitrogen for safe lithium handling.
Stable pressure & flow: Load-adaptation and anti-vibration controls ensure consistent gas supply across the line.
Energy efficiency: Optimized adsorption tower design reduces air consumption and operational costs.
Contamination-free: Stainless steel gas paths, cleanroom-compatible materials, and low-maintenance design.
Safety & reliability: Reduces fire/explosion risks, supports continuous production, and minimizes manual intervention.
1. Electrode coating & drying
Problem: Moisture or oxygen contamination reduces electrode performance.
Solution: PNF+ PSA nitrogen generator with integrated desiccant dryer.
Benefit: Stable inert environment, consistent electrode quality, reduced defects.
2. Electrolyte filling & cell assembly
Problem: Lithium reacts with moisture or oxygen during filling.
Solution: Ultra-dry nitrogen atmosphere with controlled O₂.
Benefit: Safe operation, improved battery performance, fewer rejected cells.
3. Pilot or lab-scale battery production
Problem: Limited space and intermittent demand for nitrogen.
Solution: Membrane nitrogen generator delivering consistent low-moisture gas.
Benefit: Flexible, compact solution for R&D or small-scale manufacturing.
Application type (coating, drying, filling, assembly, testing)
Required flow (Nm³/h or scfm)
Nitrogen purity and oxygen limit (% N₂, ppm O₂)
Dew point requirement (°C)
Delivery pressure (bar/psi)
Duty cycle (continuous, batch, pilot)
Cleanroom or enclosed production environment details
Safety and fire prevention requirements
Integration with automation or monitoring systems
| Application | Flow (Nm³/h) | Purity | Dew Point | Pressure | RICH solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrode coating & drying | 50–300 | 95–99.999% N₂ | -60°C | 1–6 bar | PNF / PNF+ PSA + desiccant dryer |
| Electrolyte filling | 20–150 | 99.99% N₂ | -60°C | 1–6 bar | PNF+ PSA + drying system |
| Cell assembly / pouch sealing | 10–100 | 99.99% N₂ | -50 to -60°C | 0.5–6 bar | Membrane / PSA + dryer |
| Pilot lab production | 5–50 | 95–99% N₂ | -40°C | 0.5–4 bar | Membrane PSA |
Reference specs are illustrative. Contact RICH for custom designs based on your process requirements.
Ultra-dry and high-purity nitrogen suitable for lithium handling
Cleanroom-compatible piping and gas contact materials
FAT/SAT verification for flow, purity, dew point, and safety interlocks
Full documentation: P&ID, GA drawings, O&M manuals
Optional PLC/DCS integration for automated process control
High-purity, dry gas ensures battery performance and reduces scrap
Safer operation, reduced fire/explosion risk
Eliminates cylinder logistics and contamination risks
Energy-efficient PSA/membrane systems lower OPEX
Low-maintenance, durable components reduce downtime
Q: Can nitrogen purity meet ultra-low O₂ requirements for lithium battery production?
A: Yes — PSA and membrane systems provide N₂ with O₂ < 10 ppm if required.
Q: Can systems operate continuously with minimal maintenance?
A: Yes — load-adaptation and robust valves/towers ensure stable operation.
Q: Are the systems safe for lithium-handling environments?
A: Yes — inert nitrogen atmosphere reduces fire/explosion risks.
Q: Can dew point be controlled for highly moisture-sensitive processes?
A: Yes — integrated desiccant dryers can achieve -60°C or lower dew points.
