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Beta-like tracks in a cloud chamber from nickel cathodes after electrolysis

Shyam Sunder Lakesar, Raj Ganesh S. Pala, K P Rajeev

TL;DR

The paper investigates electrochemically induced nuclear activity in Ni/H systems using a cloud chamber to observe beta-like emissions from reacted cathodes. Ni cathodes are electrochemically loaded in light water at half-wave rectified voltages of $5$ V and $20$ V, and emissions are observed as beta-like tracks in a Peltier-cooled diffusion chamber. Detected tracks have lengths from $0.6$ mm to $16$ mm with emission rates of $0.6 \.pm \.1$ cpm at 5 V and $1.0 \.pm \.1$ cpm at 20 V, with beta energies estimated between $2$ and $18$ keV and a peak near $5$ keV, compatible with $^3$H decay. The results provide direct, track-level evidence that electrochemical processes can generate radioactive isotopes in condensed matter, with potential implications for isotope production and waste remediation.

Abstract

Electrochemically induced nuclear activity in hydrogen and deuterium-absorbing metals has been reported intermittently, yet a direct observation of nuclear signatures remains challenging. We electrolyzed light water with nickel cathodes under half-wave rectified RMS potentials of 5 V and 20 V and subsequently analyzed them using a Peltier-cooled diffusion-type Wilson cloud chamber for particle emission. The reacted cathodes emitted beta-like particles forming condensation tracks of lengths of 0.6 to 16 mm and an average activity of 0.6 plus or minus 0.1 counts per minute for 5 V samples and 1.0 plus or minus 0.1 counts per minute for 20 V samples. No such emissions were detected from unreacted samples. These results provide empirical evidence that electrochemical reactions can generate radioactive isotopes in condensed matter.

Beta-like tracks in a cloud chamber from nickel cathodes after electrolysis

TL;DR

The paper investigates electrochemically induced nuclear activity in Ni/H systems using a cloud chamber to observe beta-like emissions from reacted cathodes. Ni cathodes are electrochemically loaded in light water at half-wave rectified voltages of V and V, and emissions are observed as beta-like tracks in a Peltier-cooled diffusion chamber. Detected tracks have lengths from mm to mm with emission rates of cpm at 5 V and cpm at 20 V, with beta energies estimated between and keV and a peak near keV, compatible with H decay. The results provide direct, track-level evidence that electrochemical processes can generate radioactive isotopes in condensed matter, with potential implications for isotope production and waste remediation.

Abstract

Electrochemically induced nuclear activity in hydrogen and deuterium-absorbing metals has been reported intermittently, yet a direct observation of nuclear signatures remains challenging. We electrolyzed light water with nickel cathodes under half-wave rectified RMS potentials of 5 V and 20 V and subsequently analyzed them using a Peltier-cooled diffusion-type Wilson cloud chamber for particle emission. The reacted cathodes emitted beta-like particles forming condensation tracks of lengths of 0.6 to 16 mm and an average activity of 0.6 plus or minus 0.1 counts per minute for 5 V samples and 1.0 plus or minus 0.1 counts per minute for 20 V samples. No such emissions were detected from unreacted samples. These results provide empirical evidence that electrochemical reactions can generate radioactive isotopes in condensed matter.
Paper Structure (6 sections, 1 equation, 3 figures)

This paper contains 6 sections, 1 equation, 3 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Methods
  3. Results and Discussion
  4. Conclusions
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. Author Contributions

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: (a) Schematic of the electrolytic cell setup: (1) autotransformer, (2) half-wave rectifier (HWR), (3) ammeter, (4) voltmeter, (5) graphite anode (99.99% carbon, 6 mm diameter), (6) nickel cathode (99.5% nominal Ni, 1 mm diameter), (7) automated electrolyte-refilling system containing electrolyte reservoir and pump, (8) electrolyte inlet, and (9) overflow outlet. (b) Schematic of the cloud chamber: (1) projector light for track illumination, (2) cooling reservoir housing, the Peltier cooling modules and power supplies, (3) Copper plate maintained at approximately $-40^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ with a thin black vinyl sheet on top, (4) cuboid glass chamber, (5) isopropyl-alcohol-soaked felt used as a source of vapor, (6) high-resolution video camera, (7) water-cooled aluminum heat sink, (8) Peltier cooler TEC1-12715, (9) Peltier cooler TEC1-12706, and (10) 2 mm thick copper plate.
  • Figure 2: The track of each charged particle is contained within a green rectangle, with an arrow denoting its point of origin
  • Figure 3: Energy distribution of observed charged-particle tracks (1 keV bin size) from samples prepared at (a) 5 V bias and (b) 20 V bias.