Beta-like tracks in a cloud chamber from nickel cathodes after electrolysis

Abstract

Electrochemically induced nuclear activity in hydrogen and deuterium-absorbing metals has been reported intermittently, yet a direct observation of nuclear signatures remains challenging. We electrolyzed light water with nickel cathodes under half-wave rectified RMS potentials of 5 V and 20 V and subsequently analyzed them using a Peltier-cooled diffusion-type Wilson cloud chamber for particle emission. The reacted cathodes emitted beta-like particles forming condensation tracks of lengths of 0.6 to 16 mm and an average activity of 0.6 plus or minus 0.1 counts per minute for 5 V samples and 1.0 plus or minus 0.1 counts per minute for 20 V samples. No such emissions were detected from unreacted samples. These results provide empirical evidence that electrochemical reactions can generate radioactive isotopes in condensed matter.