Erbium hydrides are suitable materials for the long-term storage of hydrogen and this work details the first reported instance of erbium deuteride synthesis via ion beam implantation. This method offers an alternative loading methodology to conventional gas loading with several advantages and these are discussed within. The work also briefly discusses the capabilities of the planned upgrade of the DELPHI (Device for Exposure to Low-energy Plasma of Hydrogen Isotopes) implantation facility which will be used to conduct the next phase of work – investigating the implantation of erbium with tritium.

The findings of an experimental study are presented in which the DELPHI facility was used to implant ions of deuterium to form erbium deuteride compounds. Following implantation, samples were analysed by thermal desorption spectroscopy to quantify the hydrogen species retained and identify the formation of hydride phases. The effect of ion beam parameters on the film composition and total hydrogen uptake are investigated and discussed.