EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY OF ELECTROCHEMICAL DEUTERIUM LOADING OF PD CATHODES IN THE LIOD D2O SYSTEM/

The electrochemical loading behaviour of Pd cathodes in the LiOD/D2O s ystem has been studied experimentally. The preparation conditions of P d cathodes significantly affect the D/Pd loading ratios. In addition, the D/Pd ratio is affected by the current density profile, current inc reasing pattern and anodic treatments. The major treatments were (1) a vacuum annealing to release the stress, to recrystallise and to clean the surface by thermal etching, and (2) a surface treatment to remove surface defects and to clean the surface. It was concluded that highe r annealing temperatures (similar to 1000 degrees C) result in a highe r D/Pd ratio. In addition, etching in aqua regia proved to be a better surface treatment than polishing. It was confirmed that using the pre -electrolysis treatments resulted in higher D/Pd ratios. The electroly sis current pattern and anodic treatment cycles likewise affected the D/Pd ratio. The effects are also discussed in detail below.