Simulating anomalies in metal deuterides

ENVR 63

Peter L. Hagelstein, PLH@aol.com, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 36-570, Cambridge, MA 02139 and Irfan U. Chaudhary, irfanc@mit.edu, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan.
Simple models for the loading of Pd cathodes with hydrogen or deuterium are proposed which allow one to better understand the interstitial concentration and chemical potential profiles within the cathode. Simple models for interstitial diffusion are used to study loading dynamics within the cathode, and to understand the connection between bulk resistance measurements and surface interstitial concentration. Excess heat production appears to be correlated with the release of 4He into the gas. The delay in helium release is connected to the depth of active sites, as is the total amount of helium released. Modeling of helium diffusion can be used to infer the active site profiles near the cathode surface. Helium accumulation is proposed to limit maximum power production, suggesting that higher maximum power should be obtained when the temperature is increased, as has been reported in several experiments.
 

New Energy Technology
8:30 AM-11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Hilton -- Alpine Ballroom West, Oral

Division of Environmental Chemistry

The 237th ACS National Meeting, Salt Lake City, UT, March 22-26, 2009