Hydrogen In Metals Basic Properties

Metal hydrides are of inestimable importance for the future of hydrogen energy. This unique monograph presents a clear and comprehensive description of the bulk properties of the metal-hydrogen system. The statistical thermodynamics is treated over a very wide range of pressure, temperature and composition. Another prominent feature of the book is its elucidation of the quantum mechanical behavior of interstitial hydrogen atoms, including their states and motion. The important topic of hydrogen interaction with lattice defects and its materials-science implications are also discussed thoroughly. This second edition has been substantially revised and updated.

I think it is expedient here to clearly specify the readership for whom this book is intended. Some readers might infer from the title that this is a data book convenient for occasional reference purposes. Most of the data on the bulk properties and a comprehensive list of publications are indeed compiled here, will be found useful as they are. The primary purpose of the book is, however, and rather to provide a coherent and consistent description of the basic bulk properties of the metal-hydrogen system, ranging from macroscopic properties such as solubilities and phase diagrams to microscopic properties such as atomistic states and diffusion. The emphasis has been placed on the physics of how these properties actually come about. This structure of the book is considered to be useful, and even necessary, not only for physicists but also for researchers interested in the materials-science aspects of the system. Who could have anticipated that the solubility of hydrogen in iron reaches a level as high as [H]/[Fe] ~ 1 under a hydrogen pressure of 10 GPa; who could have anticip ated that the diffusivity of hydrogen in metals increases at low temperatures; who could unravel the mechanism of "cold" fusion (if this indeed exists), without a basic understanding of the metal-hydrogen system? Obviously, these prob lems are not only of academic interest but also have profound technical implications.

Hydrogen is the smallest impurity atom that can be implanted in a metallic host. Its small mass and strong interaction with the host electrons and nuclei are responsible for many anomalous and interesting solid state effects. In addition, hydrogen in metals gives rise to a number of technological problems such as hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen storage, radiation hardening, first wall problems associated with nuclear fusion reactors, and degradation of the fuel cladding in fission reactors. Both the fundamental effects and applied problems have stimulated a great deal of inter est in the study of metal hydrogen systems in recent years. This is evident from a growing list of publications as well as several international conferences held in this field during the past decade. It is clear that a fundamental understanding of these problems re quires a firm knowledge of the basic interactions between hydrogen, host metal atoms, intrinsic lattice defects and electrons. This understanding is made particularly difficult by hyrogen's small mass and by the large lattice distortions that accompany the hydrogenation process. The purpose of the "International Symposium on the Electronic Structure and Properties of Hydrogen in Metals" held in Richmond, Virginia, March 4-6, 1982 was to increase our fundamental under standing of hydrogen in metals. Such knowledge is essential in solving technologically important questions. The symposium con sisted of twenty-two invited papers and seventy-two contributed poster presentations and attracted nearly 150 participants from thirteen countries. The proceedings of this symposium constitute this book.

Perspectives in Hydrogen in Metals: Collected Papers on the Effect of Hydrogen on the Properties of Metals and Alloys discusses the advancement in the understanding of the effects of hydrogen on the physical and mechanical properties of metals and alloys. The title first covers solubility and other thermodynamic properties, and then proceeds to tackling diffusivity. Next, the selection discusses the trapping of hydrogen by defects and hydride formation. The text also talks about hydrogen in amorphous metals, along with the effect of hydrogen on plastic deformation. The last chapter covers hydrogen embrittlement. The book will be of great use chemists, metallurgists, and materials engineers.

Hydrogen in Metals III is the fifth book in the series Topics in Applied Physics that discusses properties of metal-hydrogen systems. It considers results of both basic and application-oriented research, focusing on fields where recent progress was significant or where previous comprehensive reviews do not exist. The topics of the new volume are: the theoretical and the experimental status of hydrogen diffusion; nuclear magnetic resonance; neutron scattering; material problems caused by the hydrogen; application of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage and purification, for chemical engines, for hydrogen sensors, and for batteries and fuel cells.