Tritide

Tritide is the term used for the hydride form of tritium, the radioactive isotope of hydrogen with one proton and two neutrons. In chemistry and materials science, tritide can refer to either the tritide ion (T−) or, more commonly, compounds in which tritium exists bonded to another element as part of a hydride. A especially important category is metal tritides, where tritium resides in a metal lattice, forming solid solutions or stoichiometric compounds such as lithium tritide or titanium tritide.

Formation and properties of tritide compounds typically involve absorption or exchange processes. Tritium gas or tritium-containing compounds interact with metals to create hydride lattices, where tritium atoms occupy interstitial sites within the metal. These materials can store tritium at relatively low pressures and are used in research and industry to handle and utilize tritium safely. Like other hydrogen isotopes, tritide chemistry is governed by similar bonding and diffusion behaviors, but the radioactive decay of tritium introduces considerations absent for protium and deuterium.

Safety and handling are central to work with tritide. Tritium decays by beta emission to helium-3 with a half-life of about 12.3 years, requiring radiation safety controls and careful containment. In metal tritides, radioactive decay can also generate helium-3 gas, potentially influencing pressure and material integrity over time.

Applications of tritides span nuclear materials research, fusion technology, and specialized radiochemical sources. They provide a means to store and deploy tritium for experiments and energy-related development, while demanding rigorous regulatory and safety practices.

See also: hydride, deuteride, tritium, metal hydride, lithium hydride.