An Explanation for the Abnormal Temperature Rise of Palladium Cathode During Electrochemical Deuterium Charging

Abstract

Palladium bars in different states were used as cathodes to electrolyse the heavy water in a special calorimeter. During the seven long-period electrolysis tests, the abnormal temperature rise was observed only once. On the basis of experimental data and theoretical analysis, the possibilities of chemical and D-D fusion reactions which may cause this phenomenon were eliminated. According to our calculations, we believe that the abnormal temperature rise during the electrolysis of heavy water may result from the release of the elastic strain energy accumulated in the palladium cathodes.