Radiation-enhanced and thermostimulated hydrogen release from palladium and zirconium

The results of a mass-spectrometric analysis of hydrogen release from palladium and zirconium samples under the action of accelerated electrons (with an energy of 40 keV and a current density of 3 to 30 μA/cm²) and x-rays (with energies of 40 and 120 keV) are presented. The amount of hydrogen removed from these samples and the residual hydrogen content are monitored via the methods of mass-spectrometry and thermodesorption. The conclusion is made that substantial removal of hydrogen (up to 90% of the initial content) from the analyzed materials can be achieved under the action of electrons and x-rays. It is found that x-ray irradiation can ensure more efficient removal of hydrogen than electron bombardment.