The mobility of hydrogen in β-phase palladium

[摘要] Loftin's electrochemical technique for measuring the mobility of hydrogen in 3-phase palladium is analyzed in detail. In particular, four major sources of error in Loftin's work are discussed. The problems encountered in measuring pH in the CH3OH saturated with KCl solution used by Loftin are examined. To circumvent these problems an improvement employing aqueous solutions and a salt bridge was developed. Analysis of data obtained using the salt bridge offers several theories regarding the rate determining process in the electrotransport experiment. Possible hydrogen concentration gradients in the Pd wire remain a problem. The contribution of the Pd activation and charging processes to concentration gradients are discussed. Methods to measure these gradients are examined. An inductance scanning device was developed to measure the hydrogen concentration gradients and problems with this device are also discussed. Finally, suggestions for improvements in the electochemical technique are contained throughout the thesis.

[发布机构] Rice University