Reduction of tritium permeation through 304L stainless steel using aluminum ion implantation

We have demonstrated the reduction of tritium gas permeation through 304L stainless steel using aluminum ion implantation. The implanted aluminum was selectively oxidized to form a thin, coherent, and stable Al2O3-rich layer on the stainless-steel surface. Tritium permeability at 100 and 170 0C was reduced 600--700-fold compared to clean stainless steel and 20-fold compared to stainless steel with native oxide. Since greater reductions are expected with improved Al2O3 layers, this approach is a promising alternative for reduction of permeation of all hydrogen isotopes through stainless steel and other materials