Many efforts have been paid to realize the superior anodes for future Li batteries in either the dry Ar atmosphere or the dry air atmosphere. In this work, in order to clarify the effects of such atmospheres, the most reactive anodes of Li were freshly electrodeposited under the dry Ar or under the dry air condition. The Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) formed during the electrodeposition of Li anodes is revealed to have a different chemical composition and protective feature. The Li deposited under the dry air was revealed to have longer cycle life in the electrolyte than that deposited in Ar, even in the electrolyte containing ionic liquid. From the XPS results, the SEI formed in dry air is proved to be different from that formed in Ar gas atmospheres. that is, the SEI formed in dry air consists of Li(2)CO(3) and Li nitride. In order to improve the performance of the anodes, the atmosphere for the initial preparation of the anode/electrolyte interface should be tuned. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.