Hydrogen Absorption and Desorption by Niobium and Tantalum

Abstract

Studies are shown that tantalum and niobium have different kinetics of hydrogen uptake. Tantalum, in contrast to niobium, is able absorb actively hydrogen at room temperature, reaching a hydrogen capacity at the level of TaN1.9. Active absorption of hydrogen by niobium is observed only at heating to temperatures of 400-500°C, reaching the hydrogen capacity of NbH1.23. The kinetics of hydrogen evolution from both hydrogen-saturated metals is similar, the process takes place at room temperature, but in different pressure conditions.