Hydrogen permeability of glass-forming Ni-Nb-Zr-Ta crystalline membranes

A crystalline form of a glass-forming Ni-Nb-Zr-Ta alloy was studied as a hydrogen permeation membrane working in the temperature range from 573 K to 773 K. The crystalline membrane composed of an Nb-rich phase in an Ni 10 Zr 7 matrix demonstrated a hydrogen permeation property superior to the membrane of the same chemical composition with an amorphous structure and the values of the hydrogen permeability were found to exceed those of the Pd-based membranes. However, the mechanical stability deteriorated significantly such that all membranes failed during hydrogen permeation. This indicates a larger sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement in comparison with the same alloy in an amorphous state.