Electroless plating of Pd binary and ternary alloys and surface characteristics for application in hydrogen separation

Abstract

Electroless plating has been defined as a controlled autocatalytic deposition of a continuous layer on a catalytic surface by the reaction of a complex compound and a chemical reducing agent. This method allows the easy preparation of films using simple equipment and any type of support with low thickness.Palladium based layers are able to separate hydrogen selectively because of the high solubility and diffusivity of hydrogen atoms in their lattice. The electroless deposition and characterization of Pd based binary and ternary alloys are discussed taking into account their superior properties concerning hydrogen permeability and/or chemical resistance.