Determining the distribution of alloying elements, particularly lithium, is crucial for a holistic understanding of magnesium-lithium-based alloys. In this work, a bespoke ratio spectrum-imaging method based on electron energy-loss spectroscopy, in combination with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Z-contrast imaging, was applied to an as-rolled LAZ941 alloy (Mg-9Li-4Al-1Zn in wt.%). This was done to characterize the distribution of alloying elements, including the distribution of solute in the magnesium matrix. The applications of different mapping techniques revealed that precipitates with two different morphologies are rich in Li, Al and Zn, compared to their surrounding matrix. Additionally, it was confirmed that the β-phase of the alloy contains higher Li and lower Mg concentrations when compared to the α-phase. This study demonstrated the effectiveness and accuracy of the ratio spectrum-imaging method for mapping the elemental distribution (including lithium) in a range of Li-containing materials.

中文翻译：

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Mg-9Li-4Al-1Zn 合金中的多峰元素（包括锂）映射


确定合金元素（尤其是锂）的分布对于全面了解镁锂基合金至关重要。在这项工作中，将基于电子能量损失光谱的定制比率谱成像方法，结合飞行时间二次离子质谱、能量色散 X 射线光谱和 Z 对比成像应用于轧态 LAZ941 合金（Mg-9Li-4Al-1Zn 重量%。这样做是为了表征合金元素的分布，包括镁基体中溶质的分布。不同映射技术的应用表明，与周围的基质相比，具有两种不同形态的沉淀物富含 Li、Al 和 Zn。此外，经证实，与 α 相相比，合金的 β 相含有较高的 Li 浓度和较低的 Mg 浓度。这项研究证明了比率谱成像方法在绘制一系列含锂材料中元素分布（包括锂）的有效性和准确性。