[4] 3 Zn(NH2)2 → Zn3N2 + 4 NH3It can also be formed by heating zinc to 600 °C in a current of ammonia; the by-product is hydrogen gas.
[3][5] 3 Zn + 2 NH3 → Zn3N2 + 3 H2 The decomposition of Zinc Nitride into the elements at the same temperature is a competing reaction.
[1] It has also been made by producing an electric discharge between zinc electrodes in a nitrogen atmosphere.
[3][4] Zn3N2 + 3 H2O → 3 ZnO + 2 NH3Zinc nitride reacts with lithium (produced in an electrochemical cell) by insertion.
These products then can be converted reversibly and electrochemically into LiZnN and metallic Zn.