Combination of electrochemical hydrogenation and Mossbauer spectroscopy as a tool to show the radiation effect of energetic heavy ions in Fe-Zr amorphous alloys

Abstract Radiation effects of energetic heavy ion irradiation in Fe–Zr amorphous alloys were investigated by the help of Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrolytical hydrogenation. The electrolytical hydrogenation of non-irradiated and irradiated samples was carried out by a unique cathodic potential (−1000 mV versus SHE). The combination of electrolytical hydrogenation and Mossbauer analysis gives a very sensitive method for detecting structural changes of these amorphous alloys. It was found that the structural changes in the amorphous state, which are undetectable without hydrogenation by Mossbauer spectroscopy, modify the localization and the concentration of introduced hydrogen, and are reflected in a significant change of magnetic hyperfine interaction. The results can be associated with structural changes due to the effect of energetic heavy ion irradiation.