Lithium deuteride

Chemical Properties

Lithium deuteride at ambient has the NaCl (rock salt) structure: two interlaced FCC lattices; 5 eV band gap: single crystal samples are transparent.

Lithium deuteride come in single crystals, (packed) powders, or pressed into cakes.

Uses

Lithium deuteride is an isotopically labeled derivative of lithium hydride, Used in thermonuclear fusion; Used as the explosive in the hydrogen bomb and used for hydrogen storage and also in the synthesis of rocket fuel.

Preparation

Lithium deuteride has been prepared by the direct combination of lithium and deuterium at 700°, the deuterium having been obtained from the oxide by the use of magnesium.
The laboratory preparation of lithium deuteride and lithium aluminium deuteride

General Description

Lithium deuteride (LiD) is a stable isotopic compound that is commonly used in deuterium storage and energy storage applications because of its high melting point, low density, high deuterium concentration, and exceptional thermal stability in both vacuum and inert gases. It can also be used as a potential raw material for the synthesis of organic deuterides, deuterated solvents, and deuterated polymers.