Chemical & Physical Properties
- Appearance: White to gray crystalline solid
- Melting Point: ~688°C
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Density: ~0.82 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Insoluble in most organic solvents
- Reacts with water, releasing deuterium gas (D₂)
- Thermal Stability: Stable at high temperatures under anhydrous conditions
- Neutron Interaction: Low neutron absorption cross-section, making it effective as a neutron moderator
Key Features & Benefits
✅ Critical Material for Nuclear Applications: Used in thermonuclear fusion and energy research
✅ High Purity & Isotopic Stability: Essential for isotope chemistry and scientific studies
✅ Efficient Neutron Moderator: Applied in nuclear reactor technologies
✅ Stable & High Energy Density: Suitable for advanced energy storage and defense applications
Industrial & Laboratory Applications
Nuclear Fusion & Energy Research
- Thermonuclear Fuel:
- Used in hydrogen fusion reactions for advanced energy studies.
- Neutron Moderator:
- Plays a key role in nuclear reactors due to its low neutron absorption properties.
Defense & Aerospace Applications
- Advanced Weapons Research:
- Historically used in thermonuclear weapon designs.
- High-Performance Energy Materials:
- Investigated for potential use in space propulsion and fusion energy projects.
Isotope Chemistry & Scientific Research
- Deuterium Source in Experiments:
- Provides a controlled source of deuterium in isotope labeling and spectroscopy.
- Solid-State Hydrogen Storage Material:
- Considered for advanced hydrogen and deuterium storage applications.
Handling & Safety Considerations
⚠️ Highly Reactive & Moisture-Sensitive!
- Water Sensitivity: Reacts with water, releasing deuterium gas (D₂), which is flammable.
- Air Sensitivity: Decomposes upon prolonged exposure to moisture.
- Handling Precautions:
- Store under anhydrous conditions in sealed containers.
- Handle in an inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) using dry techniques.
- Use appropriate protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and flame-resistant clothing.
Storage & Packaging
- Storage Conditions:
- Keep in moisture-proof, sealed containers under an inert gas atmosphere.
- Store in a cool, dry environment away from oxidizers and acids.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical-resistant gloves, protective eyewear, and flame-resistant lab coats.
- Use in a controlled environment with proper ventilation.
Available in:
- 10g, 50g, 100g, and bulk industrial packaging
- High-purity and isotopically enriched grades for nuclear and scientific research
Lithium Deuteride (LiD) is the deuterated analog of lithium hydride (LiH), where hydrogen is replaced by its isotope, deuterium. It is a white, crystalline, and highly stable compound widely used in nuclear fusion research, isotope chemistry, and advanced energy applications. LiD is notable for its role as a fusion fuel in thermonuclear reactions and as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors. Its exceptional stability and high energy density make it a key material in defense, scientific, and energy research.
