In-situ production of PH3 from red phosphorus and atomic hydrogen

The production of PH3 from red phosphorus and the atomic hydrogen formed in the catalytic decomposition of H2 on heated W surfaces was confirmed. The absolute density of the PH3 could be as high as 1013 cm−3; the density was proportional to H-atom density in the absence of red phosphorus, although three H atoms must be involved in the production of one PH3 molecule, but showed minor dependence on the amount of red phosphorus. These results suggest that the rate-determining step for the production of PH3 is that which produces H atoms.