Hydrogen absorption in uranium-based alloys with cubic γ-U structure

Abstract

UH3-type hydrides were formed by hydrogenation of splat-cooled U-based alloys upon applying high H2 pressures (>2.5 bar). Hydrogenation of U1-xMox alloys (with x 0.12 (12 at.% Mo) containing the cubic γ-U phase leads to a formation of nanocrystalline β-UH3, why those of U1-xZrx alloys (with x 15 at.% Zr) implies a pure α-UH3. The Curie temperature of hydride (UH3)0.85Mo0.15 reaches 200 K; it may be the first U-based ferromagnet with such high TC. The results reflect the dominant U-H interaction.