[en] Homogeneous solid solutions of Li in copper have been prepared containing up to 6 to 8 at. % Li. However, the possible metastable nature of these materials has not yet been fully investigated. The existence of a unique intermetallic compound near the composition Cu₄Li is currently being investigated by single crystal x-ray diffraction and powder neutron diffraction techniques. The copper-lithium binary alloy has demonstrated potential as a means of forming a self-sustaining coating for the reduction of sputtering-induced erosion in fusion applications. The initial performance under high flux conditions is strongly dependent on the lithium content and method of preparation