Effect of air humidity on microstructure and phase composition of lithium deuteride corrosion products

Lithium deuteride (LiD) was exposed to air for 600 min to determine the effect of air humidity on its microstructure and phase composition. XRD and XPS results revealed that LiOH and Li2CO3 formed at relative humidity values of >30%, whereas only LiOH formed at values <20%. SEM and EDS images showed a clear LiOH layer; Li2CO3 was confined to the surface of this layer. The schematic illustration revealed that the concentration gradient of H2O across the LiOH layer resulted in little Li2CO3 formed in the layer. This work will contribute to increase understanding of LiD corrosion in air.