New PdNiAu ternary alloys as potential material for hydrogen separation processes

Abstract

Novel PdNiAu ternary samples were successfully developed by sequential electroless deposition of the pure metals. The structure, composition, and morphology of the synthesized samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed that the metal deposition order (Ni→Pd→Au or Pd→Ni→Au) strongly affects the formation of a single and homogeneous FCC phase. By means of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Pd-enrichment to the surface was evidenced in the sample with lower Ni content. The optimized procedure allowed synthesizing the Ni29Pd64Au7_PSS composite membrane, which exhibited a hydrogen permeance slightly higher than that reported for pure Pd.