Self-diffusion of liquid deuterium hydride and liquid tritium

Journal Article · 08 October 2024 · Journal of Chemical Physics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0230567 · OSTI ID:2515687

Prisk, T. R.  ^[1]; Hanna, S. ^[2]; Azuah, R. T.  ^[3]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
2. Winston Churchill High School, Potomac MD (United States)
3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD (United States). Center for Neutron Research

Here, we present a quasi-elastic neutron scattering study of liquid deuterium hydride carried out using the Disk Chopper Spectrometer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Under saturated vapor pressure, the self-diffusion constant of deuterium hydride obeys an Arrhenius law D = D₀ exp(-E_A/k_BT), where the prefactor D₀ is given by D₀ = 9.5 ± 1.2 Ų/ps and the activation energy is given by E_A = 58 ± 2 K. We apply the quantum law of corresponding states to the known diffusion constants of the hydrogen isotopologues. From this application, we estimate that D₀ ≈ 9.1 Ų/ps and E_A ≈ 75 K in liquid tritium. Young’s theory of quantum-mechanical effects in van der Waals fluids is shown to apply to the diffusion constants of the liquid hydrogens. Our results underscore the importance of nuclear quantum effects in shaping the properties and behavior of the hydrogen isotopologues.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344
• OSTI ID: 2515687
• Report Number(s): LLNL--JRNL-869377; 1106113
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Physics Journal Issue: 14 Vol. 161; ISSN 0021-9606
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English