Scientists from the National University for Nuclear Research (NRNU) MEPhI have taken a major step forward in creating the fusion tokamak reactor, a device for limiting and controlling fusion. They proposed using liquid lithium for the inner walls of such a reactor. This solution can help prevent damage from accumulating and give the material the ability to self-heal.
But there is a problem: When liquid lithium is used, it evaporates and special collectors are needed to collect its particles. The problem of choosing materials for internal elements in contact with the plasma is obvious, since lithium can accumulate deuterium, which can adversely affect the operation of the reactor.
The researchers conducted experiments and determined the optimal thermal operating conditions (temperature range of 250-300°C) for future lithium cell collectors. Under these conditions, the recovery of lithium from the plasma remains effective and the deuterium content decreases. These results are published in the Journal of Nuclear Materials.
Source: Ferra
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