Electrochemical calorimetric studies on the electrolysis of water and heavy water (D2O)

Abstract

Electrochemical calorimetric studies were carried out in H2O and D2O using Pd and Pt cathodes with LiOD(H) electrolytes. Two types of calorimetric cell designs were used in this attempt to detect excess enthalpy during the electrolysis of D2O using Pd cathodes. Control experiments were run side by side using water and/or Pt cathodes. A variety of pretreatments and cathode attachment schemes were employed. No discernible differences were detected between the Pd/D2O cells and the controls, regardless of conditions. For example, using one type of calorimetric cell and conditions, the mean value for the excess enthalpy was 6.5±4% in D2O compared to 7.5±7% in H2O. For the other type cell, the mean result for one series of experiments was 0±4% compared to Pt cathodes.