Mapping Lithium Distributions in Magnesium-Lithium Alloys by Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy

Magnesium-lithium alloys have attracted attention due to their light weight, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Mapping lithium within these alloys is critical for understanding its role; however, this task is challenging due to lithium's low atomic number. This thesis introduces a ratio spectrum-imaging method, based on electron energy-loss spectroscopy, capable of detecting lithium at high spatial resolution in a non-destructive manner. Its application to a magnesium-lithium-aluminium-zinc alloy effectively maps lithium distributions and, in combination with other characterisation techniques, reveals the microstructure and chemical nature of the alloy. This newly developed method shows high potential for elemental mapping in various lithium-containing materials.