The Electrochemically Formed Palladium-Deuterium System. I. Surface Composition and Morphology

Abstract

Surface analysis of palladium cathodes after prolonged electrolysis in D₂O electrolytes shows evidence for the electrodeposition of Pt, Zn and Cu. The platinum comes from the platinum anode used in the work, whilst zinc and copper are present in the D₂O. Scanning electron microscopy studies of cast palladium cathodes revealed a diverse surface topology with no single feature present. The effect of electrode pretreatment on the appearance of the microcrystallites is discussed, and evidence for a palladized overlay is presented.