Use of non-aqueous electrochemical cells to investigate air- and water-sensitive hydrogen storage materials

Electrochemical methods have been used to study hydrogen in vanadium, titanium and three binary magnesium alloy systems. These materials are all sensitive to air and/or water, which prohibits the use of aqueous electrolytes. The measurements have involved the use of alkali halide and lower temperature organic-anion molten salts saturated with an alkali hydride so that they conduct charge by the transport of hydride ions, rather than protons. Alkali metals, or their alloys, can be used as indirect reference electrodes for hydrogen in these electrolytes.