Magnesium-Based Materials for Hydrogen Storage: Microstructural Properties

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is hydrogenated as core-shell-type hydride. Therefore, increase of absorption capacity to the theoretical hydrogen capacity is still one of the most important issues for the hydrogen storage materials. In this study, the procedure of the core-shell structure as well as effect of Al concentration in Mg on the growth MgH2 in Mg were investigated. MgH2 was formed on the surface as well as inside of unreacted Mg core. The inside MgH2 was formed in a granular form on Mg grain boundary and its size increased by applying plastic deformation. Thickness of the surface MgH2 and size of the internal MgH2 increased with an increase in hydrogenation time until the hydride surface was completely covered with MgH2. However, the growth of the surface and internal MgH2 came to a halt after the surface was covered with MgH2. From these results, supplying H from metal side was dominantly contributed for growth of the surface and internal MgH2 because diffusion rate of H in Mg was much higher than that in MgH2. In addi tion, the growth of internal MgH2 as well as control of surface MgH2 can contribute to the promotion of the complete hydrogenation of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials.