Phase transformations on lithium silicates under irradiation

Lithium silicates were synthesized by a precipitation method with a Li/Si m olar ratio of 4:1. The powders synthesized were mixtures of lithium silicat es. Li2SiO3 and Li4SiO4. Solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction. On e of these samples was prepared with an abnormal crystallization pattern. H owever, the crystallization pattern was corrected after irradiation either with neutrons or with gamma radiation. Furthermore, there was a phase trans formation. Li4SiO4 was the product found when Li2SiO3 and lithium atoms. he ld in its structure. reacted by the radiolysis reaction. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.