Insights into the relation between crystal structure and deuterium desorption characteristics of Pd–Au–D alloys

Neutron diffraction and thermal desorption spectroscopy are used to determine the details in the crystallographic structure and the deuterium desorption characteristics of deuterated Pd–Au alloys. Compositions under investigation include alloys corresponding to both subcritical and supercritical conditions with respect to the α–β phase transitions. The effect of the Au-content on deuterium desorption properties is discussed in relation to the degree of deuterium loading and the phase diagram. Furthermore, the distribution of deuterium over the octahedral and tetrahedral interstitial sites is determined. The tetrahedral site occupancy increases with increasing Au content and is significant for both supercritical and subcritical phases.