Abstract: The invention generally relates to electrides and methods of making thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to a crystalline electride comprising: at least one positively charged layer comprising at least one alkaline earth metal subnitride represented by a formula A2N, wherein A comprises Mg, Sr, Ba, Ca, or a combination thereof, and one or more layers of anionic electrons; and having a thickness from greater than 0 nm to about 50 nm. Further, methods of making these electrides are further disclosed. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.