Hydrogen permeability of glass-forming Ni-Nb-Zr-Ta crystalline membranes

Abstract

A crystalline form of a glass-forming Ni-Nb-Zr-Ta alloy was studied as a hydrogen permeation membrane working in the temperature range from 573 K to 773 K. The crystalline membrane composed of an Nb-rich phase in an Ni 10 Zr 7 matrix demonstrated a hydrogen permeation property superior to the membrane of the same chemical composition with an amorphous structure and the values of the hydrogen permeability were found to exceed those of the Pd-based membranes. However, the mechanical stability deteriorated significantly such that all membranes failed during hydrogen permeation. This indicates a larger sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement in comparison with the same alloy in an amorphous state.

Improved High-Temperature Stability and Hydrogen Penetration through a Pd/Ta Composite Membrane with a TaTiNbZr Intermediate Layer

“…The deposited TaTiNbZr multi-principal component showe wide diffraction peak with a span of about 10° at 37°, and no obvious peak was observ indicating that the deposited TiTaNbZr multi-principal component alloy film had amorphous structure. Previous studies have shown that amorphous barrier layers ha better blocking properties [13]. Furthermore, the thickness of the barrier layer has a s nificant impact on the hydrogen permeability of the material [14,16], and the three kin of TaTiNbZr barrier layers can prevent the formation of TaPd3.…”

“…Therefore, the development of new ultrathin films with good mechanical properties is the main goal of many researchers in this field. This goal is usually achieved by incorporating a thin Pd layer on the surface of the alloy [3][4][5][6][11][12][13][14][15]. Group V transition metals theoretically have a higher permeability to hydrogen atoms than Pd, a feature that has been experimentally demonstrated in a number of systems [4].…”