Electrolytic H/D Separation Factors on Cathode and Diffusion Sides of Iron Membranes in H2SO4

• Main Authors: Hammerli,M., Olmstead,W. J., Muju,B. L., Smith,F. R.
• Other Authors: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LTD CHALK RIVER (ONTARIO)
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1972
• Subjects: Physical Chemistry; *Isotope separation; *Hydrogen; *Deuterium; Membranes; Electrolysis; Experimental design; Iron; Diffusion; Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0773999; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0773999

The electrolytic hydrogen-deuterium separation factor has been measured, simultaneously for the first time, on both the cathode and the diffusion side of thin iron membranes in acid solution at room temperature as functions of time and current density. Both separation factors decreased with time and reached plateau values; neither is a simple function of current density. Possible explanations for these observations are given. An estimate of the permeation rate of hydrogen was obtained and the variations in this quantity are accounted for in terms of the screened proton model. Prepared in cooperation with Memorial Univ. of Newfoundland, St. John's Dept. of Chemistry.