I don't have (yet) some to try myself and I'm aware that its oxide isn't easily reducible, but won't ordinary Ti wire become "spongy enough" after several oxidation-reduction cycles in an electrolytic cell?
Would Titaniumm mesh work?
I'd guess that any conveniently shaped high-surface area titanium source would work. I think the main point of confusion here is that JohnyFive mentioned using "flakes" as well as "sponge". I'm not sure if he's using these terms interchangeably. With "flakes" I'd picture shavings like these ones or cut into smaller rectangular pieces:
Ti sponges on the other hand are usually synthesized from titanium compounds (e.g. Kroll process), or on a smaller scale made from Ti hydride or reduced Ti oxide (when possible).
The big problem with Ti is the oxide coating on the surface. However, reading the jewellery forums suggests that this can be removed by a product called 'Multi-Etch'. Sadly, this does not seem to be sold in the EU.
My thinking is that since the lattice parameters differ significantly, repeatedly forming TiH and oxidizing it back to Ti (likely obtaining also some Ti oxide in the process) will make the wire "spongier". Since the wire most likely will not become entirely Ti oxide but possibly will remain composed of a Ti metal core and various Ti oxide islands on the relatively thin "shell", perhaps this could work.
When looking at the subject of titanium oxide electrolysis on the internet most sources seem to refer about the reduction of TiO2 precursor material to pure Ti metal, mostly in the context of (possible) industrial applications, so complex methods like electrolysis in a molten salt are referenced. This seems different than what it's attempted to be achieved here.
Furthermore, is some amount of titanium oxide really harmful? According to Bernhard Kotzias, in a patent application that is also referenced in the one by Wyttenbach's that was recently linked on LENR-Forum, porous "titanium oxide" (not clear if TiO2, but the wording implies so. In either case, an imperfect lattice contained mixed oxide form would be more catalytically active) can be used as an "ultra-dense hydrogen" catalyst:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2017/0022055.html
QuoteAccording to an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the catalyst coating has a granular and regular structure. Preferably it is a titanium oxide. Thus, a plurality of vacancies and cavities are formed on the surface. Furthermore, the formation of electronic surface structures (plasmons) is promoted and their coupling to the electromagnetic field in the cavity is improved. The catalyst can be introduced into the ceramic foam formed during sintering of the carrier material. This has a stabilizing effect on the ceramic so that increased mechanical forces can be absorbed. This can have a positive effect on the capacity for storage of ultra-dense hydrogen. The Casimir and capillary forces thus present have a positive effect on the condensation of the hydrogen. The specific surface can hereby be increased in addition to the foam structure.
Quote[...] In a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the catalyst coating comprises a titanium oxide. This material is already produced industrially in large quantities as powder and is therefore readily available.
Quote[...] According to the exemplary embodiment, the pore of the metal foam 4 is at least partially provided with a catalyst coating 6 in the inner side. The catalyst coating 6 here has a granular structure and, according to the exemplary embodiment, contains titanium oxide. The catalyst coating can also be constructed of Fe2O3, Ni, MnO and other materials which can be applied to the metal foam or the ceramic foam as a thin perturbed regular lattice structure having a layer thickness of 10 nm to 4 μm.
Quote[...] 24. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the catalyst coating comprises a titanium oxide.
porous "titanium oxide"
I don't think an oxide formed on a Ti surface (in air) can be porous... it's Pilling-Bedworth ratio doesn't allow it.
I'm referring to electrolysis, for example by reversing electrode polarity. The idea is that when titanium hydride forms, there is significant volume expansion (this source mentions 17.2% for alpha-titanium to titanium hydride, see screenshot) which eventually weakens the material, leaving open cracks and gaps. Going back and forth between TiH2 and a partially oxidized Ti form could make the sample acquire an irregular surface at the microscale. This is just a hypothesis, though.
TI Mesh seems to be available on ebay and several ways to remove oxide are described here but some involve HF acid.
several ways to remove oxide are described here but some involve HF acid.
I'm using this product, which contains dilute HF. Seems to work, but don't use it in a glass container!
One user mentions that electropolishing in salty solution could be tried. If that's just saltwater/brine, that is cost effective, but it will produce chlorine gas which will have to be vented away.
I still believe that if you use a thin carbon paper on the open aperture you would be able to see a transition of possible decay or carbon isotope
shift using radio carbon dating procedures....
Neither Lithium screen nor balance of CR2032 volume reacted at all with distilled water.
Why? Fake Lithium battery?
I've started a live doc for my replication and made good progress today.
nickec, I included a video of making the LiOH.
Good job! All is looking great!
I only don't know what effect TiF3 has. My Titanium Sponge is stored in Argon all the time but once removed it is exposed to the air for at least one minute.
I am really looking forward for any results! Regarding measurement I only recommend to follow the way how I am measuring it. Because if a radiation detector is in direct contact with the cell you not only could damage the detector (at least because of humidity) but a paper or similar material is needed for trapping the particles. At least with Pancake detector.
Also take care that power is not too high so that paper is not visibly wet from the bottom even after prolonged run. It is better to set low current or a higher at the beginning and then to reduce it after a day or so.
By the way next week I will have results from EDX analysis!
