Experimental observation of different isotopes on cathode surface after prolonged electrolysis

Different metal foils and metallic thin films have been loaded with hydrogen and deuterium and used as cathodes in prolonged electrolysis experiments. The experimental setup and its parameters are presented. Before and after experiments, the cathode surface has been analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy technique. The results reveal that different elements which were not present in the surface layer before the electrolysis are identified on the surface after the experiment. When the cathode was nickel thin foil, copper and phosphorous were found after hydrogen loading by electrolysis. If palladium, titanium or a combination of them were used as cathodes, either as thin foils or as thin films and they were loaded with deuterium, carbon was found on the surface. If the cathodes were not loaded with hydrogen or deuterium no new element was found on the surface. A discussion on the possibility of contamination is presented as well. The conclusion of these experiments is that a high hydrogen or deuterium loading ratio achieved in certain metals causes the occurrence of new elements on the surface layers after the electrolysis. No theoretical explanation or speculation is made on this subject. (authors)