Formation of superabundant vacancies in nano-Pd–H generated by high-pressure torsion

Samples of partially hydrogenated palladium were heavily deformed at low homologous temperatures by means of high-pressure torsion and subsequently investigated by differential scanning calorimetry along with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results provide for the first time clear evidence for the formation of vacancy–hydrogen complexes from deformation-induced vacancies and for enhanced thermal stability of the nanostructure achieved under such conditions.