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Cold Neutron Prompt Gamma-Ray Activation Analysis for Characterization of Hydrogen Storage and Related Materials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Rick Paul*
Affiliation:
rick.paul@nist.gov, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Analytical Chemistry Division, 100 Bureau Drive, STOP 8395, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20899, United States, 301 975-6287, 301 208-9279
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Abstract

Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) is an important technique for analyzing materials that may impact the hydrogen economy. An instrument for cold neutron PGAA, located at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), has proven useful for the measurement of hydrogen and other elements in a variety of such materials. The detection limit for hydrogen is less than 10 mg/kg for most materials. PGAA has been used to characterize materials with potential for hydrogen storage (e.g. single wall carbon nanohorns, lithium magnesium imides, and zirconium beryllium hydrides), to measure hydrogen uptake by solid proton conductors, and to characterize stoichiometries of Nafion films used as membranes in fuel cells. Future upgrades to the instrument will improve detection limits, applicability, and user interface.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

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