A new transfer function for electrochemical H permeation through metallic membranes was defined, and an analytical expression was obtained via a theoretical model which included surface processes and bulk diffusion. This transfer function was experimentally measured for Fe membranes, covered with a thin layer of electrodeposited Pd at the exit side, immersed in an alkaline media at the input cell. By fitting the model to the experimental results, the H diffusion coefficient in Fe was found to be 9.6 x 10−9m2/s; regardless of the membrane thickness.

P.Bruzzoni, R.M.Carranza, J.R.Collet Lacoste, E.A.Crespo: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 1999, 24[11], 1093-9. See also: Electrochimica Acta, 1999, 44[16], 2693-704