Li
Lithium
Z = 3 · Alkali Metal · 6.941 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Li-6 (σ_a = 940 b) is used to breed tritium in fusion blanket designs and is a strong neutron absorber. Li-7 is the preferred isotope in FLiBe molten salt coolant/moderator due to its much lower absorption. Lithium hydroxide is used for pH control in PWR primary coolant.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 3
- Standard atomic mass
- 6.941 u
- Category
- Alkali Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li-6 | 6 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Li-7 | 7 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |