Oxygen reducing atmosphere for Ruthenium ?

[italyct23]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a reducing atmosphere for Ruthenium that won't cause a new Ruthenium phase? This atmosphere would occur in hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and/or hot axial pressing. I'm not sure if an atmosphere like hydrogen or carbon monoxide(dioxide?) would do the trick without reacting with the Ruthenium somehow.

Any other suggestions on how to reduce oxygen ppm values in ruthenium would be greatly appreciated as well.

This would be for very pure Ruthenium, ie- at least 99.95% pure.

Thank you very much,

 

[btrueblood]

Best method would be an atmosphere of hydrogen and argon (or other inert gas). Ruthenium won't form stable hydrides, so as long as you vent pressure during/after cooling, there are no worries. You may notice some heat release as the hydrogen mix is added, and reacts with residual oxygen - ruthenium is a catalyst for H2/O2 combustion. I'm not sure about the CO gas, it may work, but there may be a carbide that can form with Ru (don't have any data to suggest either yes or no).