Mg2CoH5-Based Nanocomposites for Hydrogen Storage Applications

Abstract

Mg2FeH6 and Mg2CoH5 are promising means for solid state hydrogen storage because they have high gravimetric and volumetric storage densities. However, these complex hydrides are not easily synthesized as a single phase material. Interesting results of synthesis of these phases have been obtained using reactive milling under hydrogen atmosphere, producing nanocomposites with promising properties for H2 storage. In this project, we propose the investigation on the synthesis, microstructure and properties of nanocomposites based on Mg2CoH5, which will be prepared drawing on our accumulated experience in the Mg-Fe-H system. Nanocomposites will be prepared by reactive milling under hydrogen atmosphere and characterized using the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The temperature of desorption of such nanocomposites will be evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), coupled with techniques of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mass spectrometry (MS). The kinetic and thermodynamic properties of absorption / desorption of hydrogen can be supplied by a PCT equipment PCT (pressure - composition - temperature).