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The Chemistry of Fusion Technology pp 91–160Cite as

A Review of the Chemical, Physical, and Thermal Properties of Lithium that are Related to its Use in Fusion Reactors

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Abstract

The successful use of any material as a blanket or as a coolant in fusion reactors will depend on a very large number of properties, thermodynamic, physical, chemical, and otherwise. Herein, we review a number of important properties of lithium that pertain to its use as a blanket and/or coolant in a D-T fusion power plant. Among the topics we cover are natural abundance, thermodynamic and transport properties, characterization, analysis, control of species in lithium, and corrosion of materials (including electronic insulators) by molten lithium. Throughout this review we have attempted to indicate the importance of the individual properties as they would affect the overall design considerations of an operating reactor and to point out areas where information is lacking and where additional work is needed.

Work performed under the auspices of the United States Atomic Energy Commission.

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  1. Argonne National Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Division, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois, 60439, USA

    E. J. Cairns, F. A. Cafasso & V. A. Maroni

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  1. E. J. Cairns
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  2. F. A. Cafasso
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  3. V. A. Maroni
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  1. Chemistry Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, USA

    Dieter M. Gruen

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Cairns, E.J., Cafasso, F.A., Maroni, V.A. (1972). A Review of the Chemical, Physical, and Thermal Properties of Lithium that are Related to its Use in Fusion Reactors. In: Gruen, D.M. (eds) The Chemistry of Fusion Technology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-4595-4_3

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