Fast hydriding Mg–Zr–Mn–Ni alloy compositions for high capacity hydrogen storage application

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 37; no. 4; pp. 3671 - 3676
• Main Authors: Bambhaniya, K.G., Grewal, G.S., Shrinet, V., Singh, N.L., Govindan, T.P.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alloy systems; Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; Hydriding – dehydriding Kinetics; Hydrogen; Mechanical alloying; Pressure reduction techniques; Pressure reduction techniques; Mechanical alloying; Hydriding – dehydriding Kinetics; Hydriding - dehydriding Kinetics
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.04.099

Hydrogen is one of the best alternative to petroleum as an energy carrier. However, the development of a Hydrogen-based economy requires commercialization of safe and cost-effective Hydrogen storage system. In this paper, alloys belonging to Mg–Zr–Mn–Ni alloy system are synthesized using high energy ball milling method. The particle size evolution, chemical analysis and nano-scaled structures were characterized by using SEM, EDXS and XRD techniques, respectively. The optimized - highest hydrogen storing - alloy has particle size of about 8.36 ± 1.17 μm with crystallite size 16.99 ± 5.48 nm. Hydrogen absorption-desorption measurement is carried out on the principle of pressure reduction method. The alloy coded with MZ1 shows uptake of greater than 7 mass % H2 at a charging temperature of 200 °C, indicating high gravimetric hydrogen storage capacity at relatively lower hydriding temperature. The optimized Mg–Zr–Mn–Ni alloy also shows considerably enhanced hydriding – dehydriding kinetics, compare to pure Mg.
► Investigated catalytic effect of Zr, Mn and Ni on hydrogen uptake characteristics on Mg. ► Results indicate enhancements to kinetics due to modifications to local surface of Mg. ► High uptake capacity with fast kinetics can be attained using minor alloying with elemental species.