The Gorsky-effect technique was used to study the diffusion of H in Nb, and the effect of N upon this process. In the case of out-gassed samples (N concentration below 0.01%), the H diffusivity could be described by the sum of 2 exponentials; one of which predominated at 0 to 300C while the other predominated at -50 to-100C:

D (cm2/s) = 5.2 x 10-4 exp[-0.125(eV)/kT] + 5 x 10-5 exp[-0.062(eV)/kT]

The presence of up to 0.55%N decreased the H diffusivity, and it was suggested that N in Nb suppressed the fast low-temperature diffusion process.

Influence of Nitrogen on the Diffusion Coefficient of Hydrogen in Niobium. W.Muenzing, J.Völkl, H.Wipf, G.Alefeld: Scripta Metallurgica, 1974, 8[11], 1327-30

 

Table 94

Parameters for H Diffusion in NbHx

 

x

Do (cm2/s)

E (eV)

0.10

3.2 x 10-4

0.115

0.33

4.9 x 10-4

0.142

0.55

1.0 x 10-3

0.168

0.70

7.2 x 10-4

0.174

0.89

5.6 x 10-4

0.164