X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic characterization of electrolytically hydrogenated nickel and palladium

The effects of hydrogen insertion by electrolytic charging in H2SO4 solution in pure nickel and palladium were investigated. The hydrogenated phases of Ni and Pd and their stability during aging were determined by X-ray diffraction. The NiH0,68 hydride and the α-Ni phase were distinguished by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) operating in the backscattered electrons mode. Interesting features about the intergranular cracks developed during and after charging are discussed