The effect of Ti on the microstructure, hydrogen absorption and diffusivity of V–Ni alloy membranes

Design of (Nb, Mo)40Ti30Ni30 alloy membranes for combined enhancement of hydrogen permeability and embrittlement resistance

The effect of substitution of Nb by Mo in Nb₄₀Ti₃₀Ni₃₀ was investigated with respect to microstructural features and hydrogen dissolution, diffusion and permeation. As-cast Nb_40−xMo_xTi₃₀Ni₃₀ (x = 0, 5, 10) alloys consist of primary bcc-Nb phase and binary eutectic (bcc-Nb + B2-TiNi). The substitution of Nb by Mo reduces the hydrogen solubility in alloys, but may increase (x = 5) or decrease (x = 10) the apparent hydrogen diffusivity and permeability. As-cast Nb₃₅Mo₅Ti₃₀Ni₃₀ exhibits a combined enhancement of hydrogen permeability and embrittlement resistance as compared to Nb₄₀Ti₃₀Ni₃₀. This work confirms that Mo is a desirable alloying element in Nb that can contribute to a reduction in hydrogen absorption and an increase in intrinsic hydrogen diffusion, thus improving embrittlement resistance with minimal permeability penalty.