Changes in Storage Properties of Hydrides Induced by Ion Irradiation

Abstract

The influence of structural changes caused by irradiation with different ions, their energies and fluences on sorption properties has been investigated. The irradiation has been done using B3+ and N3+ ions at 45 keV with ion fluence of 10(16) ion/cm(2) at the FAMA ion source at Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences in Belgrade. Morphology and microstructure of samples were analysed using XRD and particle size analysis, while estimation of penetration depth and deposition of defects were done by SRIM calculations. Hydrogen desorption properties and kinetics were evaluated from TPD measurements and numerical non-isothermal procedure. Results suggest that there are several mechanisms of desorption depending on defect concentration, their interaction and ordering. It has been also demonstrated that the changes in near-surface area play the crucial role in hydrogen desorption kinetics. It is confirmed that there is possibility to control the thermodynamic parameters of these systems by controlling vacancies depth profile and concentration.