Hydrogen absorption and Li inclusion in a Pd cathode in LiOH solution

The amount of electrochemically absorbed hydrogen and lithium in a Pd cathode during electrolysis was measured quantitatively in LiOH solution. The electrode potential was also measured by the current interruption method. Inclusion of Li in Pd was found even at the potential of −0.22 V vs. RHE. This potential is far more positive than the reported UPD potential. Since Li was detected up to a depth of 200 nm, this phenomenon is not a simple UPD. The deposition of Li onto Pd and the formation of Pd---Li alloy are likely to occur at a much more positive potential than expected. The H]/Pd] ratio decreased gradually after 50 h electrolysis at a current density greater than 5 mA cm⁻².