Fabrication and characteristics of Li(4)SiO(4) pebbles by a novel capillary-based microfluidic wet process

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials Vol. 440; no. 1-3; pp. 283 - 287
• Main Authors: Li, Jiao-Long, Zhu, Yu-Wei, Ye, Bin, Zhao, Zi-Chen, Chang, Zhen-Qi, Serra, Christophe A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Density
• ISSN: 0022-3115

The synthesis of Li(4)SiO(4) pebbles used as tritium breeder by a microfluidic technology was studied for the first time. C(2)H(3)O(2)Li(middle dot)2H(2)O powder and SiO(2)-sol were used as the raw materials with the Li and Si molar ratio of 4. Highly uniform size droplets were formed easily in a capillary-based microfluidic device. The droplets were then converted into gel pebbles. After reaction at 750 degree C for 4 h, the designated Li(4)SiO(4) pebbles were obtained. The size of as-prepared Li(4)SiO(4) pebbles can be controlled precisely in the size range from tens of micrometer to a millimeter. The obtained Li(4)SiO(4) micrometer-pebbles possess a narrow size distribution (CV = 3.9%) and favorable shape with good sphericity (1.05). The density is 82% T.D. Phase analysis, thermal analysis, morphological observation and sintering behavior of the pebbles were carried out systematically. The XRD patterns revealed that Li(4)SiO(4) were successfully obtained and the pebble's microstructure was studied by electron beam lithography machine.