Study extends atom probe measurements to hydrogen dissolved in alloys

Researchers reporting in Nature demonstrated that atom probe tomography can examine hydrogen dissolved within metal lattices, extending its use beyond hydrides and hydrogen trapped at defects. They used deuterium as a hydrogen proxy and cryogenic sample transfer to preserve its distribution in selected alloys. Repeated measurements showed deuterium concentrating in phases with greater hydrogen affinity, consistent with theoretical predictions. Microscopy and vacancy measurements supported the interpretation that it occupied lattice sites. A minor contribution from undetected vacancies, elastic fields or the measurement technique's intrinsic limitations could not be excluded.