Achieving superior hydrogen storage properties via in-situ formed nanostructures: A high-capacity Mg–Ni alloy with La microalloying

Abstract

Mg-based hydride is a promising hydrogen storage material, but its capacity is hindered by the kinetic properties. In this study, Mg–Mg2Ni–LaHx nanocomposite is formed from the H-induced decomposition of Mg98Ni1·67La0.33 alloy. The hydrogen capacity of 7.19 wt % is reached at 325 °C under 3 MPa H2, attributed to the ultrahigh hydrogenation capacity in Stage I. The hydrogen capacity of 5.59 wt % is achieved at 175 °C under 1 MPa H2. The apparent activation energies for hydrogen absorption and desorption are calculated as 57.99 and 107.26 kJ/mol, which are owing to the modified microstructure with LaHx and Mg2Ni nanophases embedding in eutectic, and tubular nanostructure adjacent to eutectic. The LaH2.49 nanophase can catalyze H2 molecules to dissociate and H atoms to permeate due to its stronger affinity with H atoms. The interfaces of these nanophases provide preferential nucleation sites and alleviate the “blocking effect” together with tubular nanostructure by providing H atoms diffusion paths after the impingement of MgH2 colonies. Therefore, the superior hydrogenation properties are achieved because of the rapid absorption process of Stage I. The efficient synthesis of nano-catalysts and corresponding mechanisms for improving hydrogen storage properties have important reference to related researches.