Electrodeposition synthesis and hydrogen absorption properties of nanostructured palladium-iron alloys

Nanostructured pure Pd and Pd-Fe alloys were created by pulsed electrodeposition. Increasing iron content resulted in grain size refinement. Nanostructured Pd and 7 at.% Fe in Pd experienced grain growth starting at 200°C. In contrast, a 20 at.% Fe in Pd alloy was stable against grain growth to above 300°C, and 30 and 40 at.% Fe in Pd nanoalloys were stable against grain growth to above 400°C. The Pd-Fe nanoalloys did not experience the α-β phase transition when exposed to hydrogen and had fast hydrogen absorption kinetics at room temperature with no activation being necessary.