Concentration of isotopic hydrogen by temperature gradient effect in soluble metal

This invention relates to the enrichment of isotopic hydrogen in a solid-state metal by use of temperature gradient effects, and is related to the subject matter disclosed in prior copending application Serial No. 07/724,083, filed July 1, 1991. High concentration of isotopic hydrogen in the form of deuterium atoms in a soluble metal such as palladium, is very useful for various electro-chemical studies including nuclear fusion investigations. A conventional technique used for deuterium enrichment purposes involves electrolysis, where a palladium rod is immersed in heavy water as the cathode. According to the prior copending application, aforementioned, deuterium density inside a palladium rod is increased by making use of plasma ion implantation. Patent Applications