Question

Give an example of a solution of a gas in solid.

Hint:

Hydrogen in palladium is the classic example of a gas dissolved in a solid — used in hydrogen purification and catalytic systems.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition.
A solution of a gas in solid occurs when gas molecules are uniformly distributed throughout a solid medium. Such solutions are often called solid solutions of gases.
Step 2: Mechanism.
In these solutions, the gas particles occupy interstitial or void spaces within the crystal lattice of the solid without disturbing its structure.
Step 3: Example.
- Hydrogen in palladium (H in Pd) — Hydrogen gas gets adsorbed into palladium metal forming a solid solution.
This property is used in hydrogen storage and catalytic reactions.
Step 4: Explanation.
Palladium can absorb up to 900 times its volume of hydrogen due to the formation of a stable interstitial solid solution.