Determination of macro-constituents in lithium zirconate for tritium-breeding applications

A method was developed for the determination of Li and Zr in lithium metazirconate. This compound is candidate in fusion reactor designs as tritium-breeder material. In order to achieve high-precision results, Li was determined by flame emission spectrometry (FAES) with reduced sensitivity at 610.4 nm, whereas Zr was determined by gravimetry and complexometry. The sample was decomposed by fusion with ammonium hydrogen sulphate. Both elements could be determined to a precision of 0.3-0.7%. Zirconium results obtained by different chemical methods were not significantly different (P=0.05). The atomic ratio (Li/Zr) did not evidence shifting from stoichiometry during the preparation of such tritium breeding compound. The above conclusions show that classical analysis is helpful in the development of new materials and its revival meets the interests of industry.