Deuterium transport and isotope effects in type 316L stainless steel at high temperatures for nuclear fusion and nuclear hydrogen technology applications

Abstract We present the first complete data set for the permeability, diffusivity, and solubility of both deuterium and hydrogen in 316L stainless steel (316L SS) obtained over a wide temperature range of 350–850 °C that accommodates both nuclear fusion and nuclear hydrogen technology applications. The deuterium results were also compared with the hydrogen results to estimate the isotope effect. The isotope effect ratio for diffusivity was different from the classical prediction. Furthermore, some of our results were compared with the results previously reported for 316 SS. Results and discussion are presented with an emphasis on the deuterium permeation and isotope effects.