Preparation of a sample with a single MgH2 phase by horizontal ball milling and the first hydriding reaction of 90 wt% Mg-10 wt% MgH2

Abstract

In order to prepare an additive-free sample with a single MgH2 phase, 90 wt% Mg-10 wt% MgH2 (named 90Mg-10MgH2) was milled under a hydrogen atmosphere in a horizontal ball mill, and then hydrided. The hydrogen absorption and desorption properties of the prepared samples were investigated, and compared with those of milled pure Mg and purchased MgH2. X-ray diffraction analysis, measurement of specific BET surface areas, and observation of the prepared samples by scanning electron microscope were performed. The 90Mg-10MgH2 sample after hydriding-dehydriding cycling had small and large particles with fine particles on their surfaces, and had much finer particles and more defects than the milled pure Mg sample after hydridingdehydriding cycling. The specific BET surface areas of the milled Mg and 90Mg-10MgH2 were measured as 7.81 and 99.81 m2/g, respectively. A sample that had almost a single MgH2 phase could be prepared by horizontal ball milling and the first hydriding reaction of 90Mg-10MgH2. 90Mg-10MgH2 released 5.82 wt% H for about 70 min, while unmilled MgH2 (Aldrich) released 6.04 wt% H for about 100 min, at 648 K.