Fundamental Considerations Relating to the Insertion of Hydrogen Isotopes into Mixed Conductors at High Activities

Abstract

AbstractSome features of the electrochemical insertion of hydrogen isotopes into mixed conductors under dynamic electrolytic conditions are discussed. Unusual magnitudes of thermodynamic parameters in both the surface region and the bulk can be obtained under some conditions. These can vary greatly, depending upon the surface composition, as well as experimental conditions. It is thus possible to obtain species distributions and related phenomena inside solids during electrolysis at atmospheric pressure that are equivalent to those that would be present if there were a very high external pressure of one of the components.The transport of hydrogen isotope interstitial species is very microstructure - dependent. Readily visible microstructural changes occur upon insertion and deletion of these species. This leads to the very sporadic nature of structure - dependent phenomena often observed. These considerations may play an important role in the apparent irreproducibility of experimental observations of the ‘cold fusion’phenomenon.