Complementing the experimental doctoral work, this project constructs a numerical model that resolves the sequence of processes by which hydrogen ions and atoms enter the plasma sheath near a palladium–silver electrode, are absorbed, diffuse through the alloy, and are released on the opposite surface. A one-dimensional diffusion–reaction model is coupled with a plasma sheath model that supplies incident ion fluxes, ion energies, and sputtering yields; sputtering-induced erosion, redeposition, and surface composition changes are incorporated. Comparison with experimentally measured hydrogen-permeation fluxes and electrode-composition changes identifies rate-limiting steps and operating conditions that maximize hydrogen-isotope recovery. Collaboration with researchers in materials modeling and computational chemistry refines material parameters.

Complementing the experimental doctoral work, this project constructs a numerical model that resolves the sequence of processes by which hydrogen ions and atoms enter the plasma sheath near a palladium–silver electrode, are absorbed, diffuse through the alloy, and are released on the opposite surface. A one-dimensional diffusion–reaction model is coupled with a plasma sheath model that supplies incident ion fluxes, ion energies, and sputtering yields; sputtering-induced erosion, redeposition, and surface composition changes are incorporated. Comparison with experimentally measured hydrogen-permeation fluxes and electrode-composition changes identifies rate-limiting steps and operating conditions that maximize hydrogen-isotope recovery. Collaboration with researchers in materials modeling and computational chemistry refines material parameters.