Lithium metal reacts with oxygen to form the oxide and nitrogen to form the nitride, so the atmosphere must be argon or helium. Argon is less expensive.

Dear Yoonju,

The atmosphere in which electrodes are prepared should be inert, so that no chemical changes occur in the materials that make up the electrode.

Atmospheric air contains oxygen, which would cause irreversible damage to the electrode if you were to manufacture it in a place exposed to the atmosphere (and, therefore, to the oxygen it contains).

Any other inert gas could be used for this purpose (other noble gases).

Hope this helps you understand.

Lithium metal reacts with oxygen to form the oxide and nitrogen to form the nitride, so the atmosphere must be argon or helium. Argon is less expensive.