If absorbed into the metal, hydrogen (or deuterium) can lead to hydrogen-induced cracking of zirconium. Here we describe the use of in situ neutron reflectometry to detect and quantify hydrogen and deuterium absorbed into zirconium during cathodic charging at different pH and applied potentials. The barrier quality of the native oxide film on zirconium was found to be strongly dependent on the pH of the solution in which it was polarized. Hydrogen absorption was not observed in near-neutral pH solution during cathodic polarizations as low as -2.5 V_(sce); however increasing amounts of hydrogen were absorbed as the pH was lowered.
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