Soft X-ray emission studies of metal-hydrogen bonding states in zirconium-based laves phase hydrides

Parameters of X-ray L emission spectra of all transition metals in the system of Laves phase hydrides ZrVMeH x (Me ≡ Cr, Fe, Co, Cu) have been analysed. The analysis shows unequal participation of valence d states of intermetallic components in metal-hydrogen bonding. Different energy positions of hydrogen atoms in tetrahedral interstitial sites formed by different sets of metal atoms cause splitting of the hydride subband of Zr Lβ 2.15 emission spectra. A correlation between characteristics of Zr Lβ 2.15 emission and hydride thermal stability is found. Valence d states of vanadium take part in metal-hydrogen bonding to a lesser extent than those of zirconium. The d states of chromium, iron, cobalt and copper participate still less in bonding with hydrogen.