Codeposition electrolysis using a weak carbolic acid, i.e. phenol, an aromatic ring with attached OH, or oher organic compound, combined with Li2SO4 and heavy water to form the electrolyte, and a Pd anode, may form on the cathode surface a volume which supports a larger than typical nuclear active state (NAS) zone as Ed Storms calls it [See "The Nature of Energy-Active State in Pd-D", Published in Infinite Energy #5,6 (1996)]. Ed's research shows the NAS to be located to within a zone about a micron in depth beneath the cathode surface, and that the active (successful) Pd cathodes tend not to expand when loaded.
The addition of carbon rings or even fullerenes to the matrix has a two fold objective. First, the carbon is intended to strengthen or harden the matrix by the addition of covalent bonds. Second, the presence of carbon rings or fullerenes in the matrix provides deformities in the matrix which allow the formation of D2 molecules under high pressure. In an ideal matrix the deformities adjacent to carbon molecules must tend not to initiate cracks in the matrix that release the hydrogen. In order that a high carbon content be obtained, perhaps Pd is not the best cathode material. Alloys that would not ordinarily permit sufficient hydrogen diffusion may be good NAS candidates if a sufficient deformity density can be obtained concurrent with the hydrogen codeposition. A final surface layer of Pd might be added though in order to facilitate hydrogen adsorbtion and to maintain cathode life. Fullerenes inside the matrix may form nano-Case-cells, or a nano version of a hollow cathode cell. The objective of the suggested approach is converting a surface effect into a reliable bulk effect. Additionally, creation of a high volume (bulk CF) zone should increase the probability or density of active sites. Stimulation or control of bulk effect CF may require the use of x-rays in order to produce within the bulk a high density of energetic free electrons that catalyse the fusion. Regards, Horace Heffner
