Steady-state nonequilibrium temperature gradients in hydrogen gas–metal systems: challenging the second law of thermodynamics

摘要: Differences in gas reaction rates between disparate surfaces have been proposed as a means to achieve steady-state pressure and temperature gradients within single blackbody cavity, thereby challenging the second law of thermodynamics (Sheehan 1998 Phys. Rev. E 57 6660; Sheehan 2001 Lett. A 280 185; Capek 2005 Challenges Second Law Thermodynamics (Theory Experiment) (Fundamental Theories Physics Series vol 146) (Dordrecht: Springer)). This paper reports on laboratory tests this hypothesis; specifically, molecular hydrogen is found dissociate preferentially rhenium versus tungsten at identical elevated temperatures reduced pressures (T ⩽ 2100 K; ). Steady-state nonequilibrium H/H2 ratios over suggest that could be maintained under cavity conditions. Preliminary results from bimetallic experiments are discussed.