The Effect of Occluded Hydrogen on the Electrical Resistance of Palladium

Abstract

Agreement between the results of theoretical and experimental investigations of the absorption of hydrogen by palladium indicates that, at least at higher temperatures, the hydrogen is contained in solid solution. Apparatus for observing the changes in electrical resistance of palladium during absorption and evolution of hydrogen is described, with which resistance-pressure isotherms from 75° to 150° c. were obtained for pressures increasing and decreasing between zero and atmospheric. Factors affecting the resistance of the Pd-H system are discussed and an explanation of the form of the isotherms is given; a decrease in resistance which is observed, when hydrogen is added to the alloy in the β phase, is attributed to completion of the d shells of palladium.