Devices and Methods for Pumping Out Hydrogen from Structural Materials

Systems and methods for regulating hydrogen concentration in structural materials by electrochemically controlling hydrogen desorption to promote recovery from hydrogen embrittlement are disclosed. Embrittled material can be exposed to an electrolyte and a counter electrode to set up a potential across the material to induce the electrochemical oxidation of atomic hydrogen (H) in the surface of the material. Oxidation reduces hydrogen concentration near the surface, increases hydrogen diffusion toward the surface, and eventually accelerates hydrogen desorption through and out of the material. In some embodiments, a catalyst can be applied to the surface of the material to return the material to its original state before embrittlement.