Techniques of analysis and purification of rubidium and lithium are described. A method for analysis of oxygen in rubidium based on freezing point depression was developed. The technique has a sensitivity of 10 ppm O2 with a precision of 10 ppm O2.nOxygen was removed from rubidium by stainless steel, zirconium and 50%Zr-503Ti alloy. The oxygen equilibrium value of rubidium in contact with stainless steel or zirconium is < 10 ppm at 1400°F;with 50%Zr-5O%Ti alloy the equilibrium value is <10 ppm at 800°F.nHot trapping is recommended for purification of rubidium. Cold trapping was shown to be ineffective in removing oxygen. With 10 psi overpressure of nitrogen above rubidium, no evidence of rubidium nitride formation was observed. Rubidium hydride did not form when hydrogen was bubbled through rubidium.nA suitable technique for analysis of oxygen in lithium was not developed during the course of the contract. However, the relative potential of a number of metals as getters was evaluated by an indirect method. Zirconium is recommended as a hot trapping material for lithium for removal of both oxygen and nitrogen. There was evidence that cold trapping would remove oxygen and nitrogen, also.
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