Hydrogen Uptake Kinetics of 1,4-Bis(phenylethynyl)benzene Rubberized O-Rings: Measurements, Modeling, and Comparison with Additional Forms of Organic Getters

A class of molecules called "hydrogen getters" can react with, or scavenge, H2 in applications where the hydrogen presence and/or buildup are not desirable. One such "getter", 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene or DEB, can be incorporated into a silicone matrix in the form of an O -ring for added flexibility, environmental resiliency, and convenient use as a gasket in sealed applications. However, the performance and kinetics of this DEB-loaded rubberized O-ring have not yet been characterized. In this work, the hydrogen uptake kinetics of the rubberized DEB O -ring were extracted by the isoconversional analysis from isothermal isobaric data under conditions of 13,332 Pa H2 and 305-325 K. The isoconversional and cylindrical diffusion approximations were then used to predict and model the hydrogen uptake of rubberized DEB O-rings under any arbitrary condition, as illustrated in this work for the simple case of a constant rate of hydrogen generation/input. In comparison with other Pd/carbon-based/organic getter systems, these rubberized DEB O-rings provide a type of hydrogen getter material with enhanced flexibility and catalyst protection in applications where an O -ring seal is needed.