Multi-diagnostic approach for correlating light isotopes in materials from nano to macro scales
EMSL Project ID
51801
Abstract
The accurate quantification and mapping of light element isotopes, such as hydrogen (H) isotopes and lithium (Li) isotopes, is critical to building reliable, accurate mechanistic models during physical changes or phase transformation. In the case of absorption of hydrogen and its isotopes, H uptake in metallic systems impacts component performance, specifically affecting retention and degradation of materials exposed to high H environments. While different Li isotope enrichments will significantly affect microstructure and mechanical strength after materials processing. Several methods have previously been investigated for the analysis of light elements, including (but not limited to) laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), atom probe tomography (APT), LA-ICP-MS, and NanoSIMS. Each of these analytical tools brings certain advantages over the others such as nano versus microscale analysis, depth profiling capability, detection and quantification limits, precision, rapid detection capability, and so on. In order to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each method, comprehensive studies are essential using standardized sets of samples. The aim of this proposed research is to evaluate and compare various analytical tools for H and Li isotopic mapping and quantification ranging from the nano to microscale. We propose to analyze of H and Li isotopic compositions using different methods, and to investigate strengths and challenges of each related to length and depth scales probed, time scales required for analysis, and analytical merits.
Project Details
Start Date
2020-12-29
End Date
2021-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
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