Synthesis of Li2TiO3 by sol-gel combustion method and its gel-casting formation

Lithium metatitanate (Li2TiO3) has been recognized as a candidate of ceramic tritium breeder materials for its excellent performance. In this paper, Li2TiO3 powder was synthetized by a modified sol gel combustion process, and the ratio of fuel to oxidizer was optimized. DTA-TG analysis indicated that an intense exothermic reaction occurred at 539 K, which led to the formation of a voluminous white powder. No additional annealing process was required, as pure crystalline beta-Li2TiO3 was directly obtained from the combustion reaction. The powder had nano-scale structure and large specific surface area of 9.6 m(2)/g. Li2TiO3 pebbles with desired size and shape were prepared by gel-casting technique using the as-prepared powder. The pebbles reached a high density (81-86% T.D) after sintered at a relatively low temperature (<= 1373 K) for 2 h. The sintering pebbles had a smooth surface, homogeneous microstructure and small grain size. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.