The solid reaction of lithium hydride and lithium hydroxide in lithium hydride pellet under normal condition and the application of CO2 for long-time storage

The solid reaction of lithium hydride and lithium hydroxide in lithium hydride pellet is first directly observed at normal ambient condition after 4 years storage. Layer-by-layer XPS results show that LiOH hydrolysis layer quickly forms on the LiH surface, LiOH reacts with bulk LiH to form Li₂O and H₂. Due to the great H₂ outgassing after long time conservation, bubbling problem actually exists during the practical long-time preserving period. Using CO₂ as pre-treatment gas during the LiH sample preparation process is a feasible way to prevent LiH sample from bubbling after long storage period. Moreover, Li₂CO₃ shows possible delay effect on the solid reaction of LiOH with LiH in this work, thus preserving LiH sample in CO₂ containing atmosphere might also be an prospective way to protect the sample from further corrosion.