Dr. Simona Murph's Research Group Paper Featured in Journal Cover Publication

The Paper: "Efficient Thermal Processes Using Alternating Electromagnetic Field for Methodical and Selective Release of Hydrogen Isotopes", published February 3, 2021. See publication info here.

The Authors: Simona E. Hunyadi Murph*, Henry Sessions Jr, Kaitlin Coopersmith, Michael Brown, and Patrick A. Ward

Photo Info: An illustration of the efficient thermal process using an alternating electromagnetic field for methodical and selective release of hydrogen isotopes is presented. Copyright © 2021 American Chemical Society

Abstract:

The controlled and selective release of hydrogen isotopes from lanthanum–nickel–aluminum (LANA) materials was achieved using an alternating electromagnetic field (AEMF). In the presence of the AEMF, the rate of desorption for D₂ was faster than for H₂. In a closed system, compared to the control experiments with helium, hydrogen-loaded LANA samples showed a significant increase in pressure, which illustrate the desorption of hydrogen from the applied AEMF. An exponential increase in the hydrogen release rate was observed with an increased AEMF strength. Additionally, hydrogen release from LANA confined in a subzero environment (−78 °C) using an AEMF was demonstrated. These results demonstrate that the LANA material can be heated directly using alternating electromagnetic fields rather than indirectly to rapidly and selectively desorb hydrogen isotopes. The rapid response and difference in desorption kinetics for different hydrogen isotopes in the presence of the alternating electromagnetic fields provide a promising pathway for applications requiring the controlled release of hydrogen and separation of its isotopes.