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

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that electrolysis of nickel cathodes in water can produce beta-like radioactive emissions, providing empirical evidence of nuclear activity induced by electrochemical processes in metals.

Contribution

It presents direct observation of beta-like particle emissions from nickel cathodes after electrolysis, a novel experimental confirmation of electrochemically induced nuclear activity.

Findings

Beta-like tracks observed in cloud chamber from nickel cathodes

Radioactive emissions detected only after electrolysis, not from unreacted samples

Emission rates increased with higher applied voltage

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.