Soft X-ray emission studies of metal-hydrogen bonding states in zirconium-based laves phase hydrides-II: p states and conclusions

Parameters of X-ray emission M spectra of zirconium and K spectra of 3d transition metals in the system of Laves phase hydrides, having the general formula ZrVMeH x ( Me ≡ V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu), have been investigated. The results show that valence p states of metallic components take an active part in metal-hydrogen bonding. The direction and quantity of the charge transfer in hydrides have also been determined, and a correlation between thermal stability of hydrides and variation in the number of valence p electrons of vanadium has been detected. Values obtained were compared with data from previously conducted investigations on valence d states of metals in hydrides. Furthermore, on the basis of generalized data, a mechanism of the chemical bond in Laves phase hydrides ZrVMeH x has been suggested and an increased accumulating ability of the intermetalhc compound ZrV 2 has been explained.