Diffusion of hydrogen in metals

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Abstract
The present status of our understanding of the diffusion of hydrogen in metals, both experimental and theoretical, is reviewed. Discussions are focused on the mechanism of diffusion of hydrogen isotopes H, D and T in f.c.c. and b.c.c. metals; the positive muon (μ +) is referred to where appropriate. An up-to-date compilation of diffusion data as a function of temperature and isotope mass has been made, and a clear distinction in general diffusion behaviour in f.c.c. and b.c.c. metals is noted. Subsequently, the results obtained from the Gorsky effect, nuclear magnetic resonance and quasi-elastic neutron scattering that provide information on elementary jump processes are discussed. A conceptual framework of the quantum diffusion of light interstitials in metals is given, including the recent Kondo theory that emphasizes the crucial importance of particle-conduction electron interactions in the diffusion process, especially at low temperatures. It is shown with the help of recent estimates of the tunneling matrix element that the overall feature of diffusion of hydrogen isotopes in b.c.c. metals as well as μ + in f.c.c. metals can be explained consistently within the frame presented here. Finally, recent advances in the diffusion studies on hydrogen in b.c.c. metals are described. They include a re-analysis of quench-recovery experiments that manifested nearly athermal diffusion of H, D and T in Ta at low temperatures, and an enormous enhancement of the diffusivity under stress (superdiffusion) observed for H and D in V.