The effect of γ-radiation in Li4SiO4 ceramic breeder blankets

• Li4SiO4 is γ-irradiated with different doses (5, 10 and 13 MGy) and its electrical bulk conductivity measured by EIS.
• The electrical measurements are compared with SiO2 confirming the charge carrier role of Li+ under thermal activation.
• The recombination effect of temperature during irradiation has been observed.

Lithium orthosilicate (Li4SiO4) is considered one of the best candidates for the solid breeder blanket system (BBs) of future thermonuclear reactors. During reactor operation it will be bombarded by neutrons and gamma radiation which may alter its composition and properties, affecting its shielding role. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is here used as a non-destructive tool for monitoring the electrical bulk conductivity of Li4SiO4 ceramic after different ionizing damaging treatments. The compound fabricated in our laboratories, was irradiated by a 60Co in the Nayade-facility (CIEMAT-Spain). Several studies with slight experimental variations were realized and here presented to understand the dynamic of the charge carriers’ movement and the role of intrinsic and extrinsic defects on the electrical properties of this candidate ceramic.