Atomic diffusion of Li in the amorphous alloy Pd-Si

The atomic diffusion coefficient in an amorphous alloy below the softening point Tg was studied by diffusion of a small atom, lithium, in the amorphous alloy Pd80Si20. The experimental method used must allow for the thinness of the samples, the nature of the diffusing element and the temperature range consistent with the existence of the amorphous state (use of the reaction 6Li(n,α)). The results obtained show that the Li diffusion coefficient is 100 times higher in the amorphous alloy than in the crystalline alloy at the same temperature, though its order of magnitude is still characteristic of a solid state diffusion