Fabrication of a Lithium Sensor Based on LiYO2 by Liquid Phase Processing

A galvanic cell was constructed to measure the activity of lithium in liquid alloys. LiYO2 solid electrolyte tubes were made by slip casting. Y2O3-12.5% MgO was selected as the lid composition due to its inertness to molten lithium and optimum strength. The tube and lid were joined by reaction bonding in which Li2CO3 acts as the bonding agent and also plays an important role as sintering additive. The tube-lid assembly was used in a galvanic cell to measure the emf of Li in Li-Sn and Li-Zn alloys at temperatures of 240–720°C. The emf results demonstrated the reproducible functioning of the sensor.