Design, synthesis and characterization of the advanced tritium breeder: Li sub(4+x)Si sub(1-x)Al sub(x)O sub(4) ceramics

Li sub(4+x)Si sub(1-x)Al sub(x)O sub(4) solid solutions which were designed as the advanced tritium breeder were obtained by solid state reactions. Samples were systematically characterized by various techniques. XRD, neutron diffraction and Raman results showed that the Aluminum substituted silicon into the Li sub(4)SiO sub(4) lattice and Li super(+) interstitials formed as a result of charge compensation. Rietveld refinements of neutron diffraction showed that the crystalline structure had been expanded as Al-doped. Moreover, the lithium atom density, thermal conductivity and the mechanical property of the Li sub(4+x)Si sub(1-x)Al sub(x)O sub(4) ceramics were improved relative to the Li sub(4)SiO sub(4).