First-principles investigation of hydrogen segregation and its effect on the Al/Al3Li interface cohesion

Abstract

Aluminum and its alloys are known to be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, however, current experimental techniques face significant challenges in directly observing hydrogen atom distributions and their interactions with microstructural features in Al alloys. In this study, we investigate hydrogen-enhanced decohesion at Al/Al${}_3$Li interfaces in Al alloys using a systematic first-principles approach. Our results demonstrate that hydrogen atoms preferentially occupy at strained locations within both Al and Al${}_3$Li phases, with the Al${}_3$Li phase exhibiting a stronger trapping capability at the Al/Al${}_3$Li interface. This hydrogen distribution leads to reduction in cohesive strength of Al/Al${}_3$Li interface. Moreover, we show that the extent of hydrogen-enhanced decohesion on Al/Al${}_3$Li interface is influenced hydrogen concentration and temperature. These findings provide fundamental insight into hydrogen trapping and embrittlement mechanisms at Al/Al${}_3$Li interfaces and offer guidance for designing Al–Li alloys with improved hydrogen resistance through targeted control of composition and microstructure.