MEDIA FOR SOLID STATE FUSION

摘要

Media for electrochemical as well as thermochemical fusion apparatuses are provided. Materials systems consisting of deuterium storage intermetallic compound, transition metal/rare earth metal intermetallic compound and elemental material cathodes are combined with compatible electrolytes including solid deuteride electrolytes, cryogenic electrolytes and supercritical deuterium in electrochemical fusion apparatuses wherein a magnetic field may be provided to enhance fusion initiation in the cathode. Magnetic field fusion initiation enhancement is also part of an electrochemical fusion apparatus including a deuterium storage cathode and deuterium containing electrolyte. Thermochemical fusion apparatuses consisting of deuterium storage media and a source of deuterium with magnetic field fusion initiation enhancement are provided. Thermochemical fusion apparatuses consisting of intermetallic compound, transition metal/rare earth metal intermetallic compound or lithium, palladium, or vanadium material for deuterium storage and a source of deuterium which may include supercritical deuterium are provided. A thermochemical fusion apparatus using a titanium deuterium storage material with a supercritical deuterium source is also provided. The invention enables the operation of these electrochemical and thermochemical fusion apparatuses over a wide range of temperatures and pressures which may be adjusted to optimize the efficiency of the solid state fusion reaction.