Deuterium permeation in Er${}_2$O${}_3$ thin film fabricated on a type 316L stainless steel substrate

Abstract

A metal-oxide film can be used as a hydrogen-isotope permeation barrier in the fuel circulation system for nuclear fusion. We fabricated Er${}_2$O${}_3$ thin film on a type 316L stainless-steel substrate by using a metal-organic chemical vapor deposition technique for the purpose of hydrogen-isotope permeation barrier. Electron microscopy based imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements indicate a sound film quality together with X-ray diffraction experiments. We also measured deuterium permeation in the film at high temperatures ranging from 600 ${}^{\circ }$C to 800 ${}^{\circ }$C. The permeation reduction was most apparent at 650 ${}^{\circ }$C. Above 800 ${}^{\circ }$C, we confirmed that the film was damaged and did not work as a permeation barrier.

5 pages, 4 figures