Lithium isotopic analysis in depleted lithium salts

Journal Article · 20 February 2025 · Progress in Nuclear Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2025.105674 · OSTI ID:2537858

Hobbs, Kirby ^[1]; Scott, Sean R.  ^[1]; Williams, Johnny ^[2]; Mastromarino, Sara ^[2]; Gajos, Norbert ^[1]; Berry, Christian ^[1]; Anderson, Ian ^[1]; Melby, Kali ^[1]; Kruizenga, Alan ^[2]

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1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
2. Kairos Power, Alameda, CA (United States)

Lithium isotope separation processes require characterization of the isotopic compositions of the different output phases of the process. While considerable effort to develop isotope separation methods has been ongoing for decades, the analytical methods associated with these analyses are rarely provided. Here, in this work three types of mass spectrometers (Q-ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, TIMS) were tested for the ability to measure depleted lithium salts that are relevant materials for isotopic separations. Results indicate that, once stabilized, the Q-ICP-MS can provide equal precision for Li isotopic samples compared to TIMS or MC-ICP-MS. However, MC-ICP-MS consistently provides the highest precision for salts across both depleted and natural isotopic abundances. These data demonstrate that Q-ICP-MS is an appropriate choice for analysis of depleted lithium salts, especially when rapid analyses are desired for online process monitoring.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 2537858
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA--204446
• Journal Information: Progress in Nuclear Energy, Journal Name: Progress in Nuclear Energy Vol. 183; ISSN 0149-1970
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English