Development of magnesium hydrides and new materials for sòlid state hydrogen storage

Abstract

Given the current situation in the energy industry, metal hydrides have captivated many attention for solid state hydrogen storage. This kind of storage offers many advantages in security and volumetric properties. One example of metal with good properties for solid state hydrogen storage is Magnesium. The aim of this project was to activate Magnesium powders by ball milling and create a system to test hydrogen absorbance. Moreover, after literature review, FeTi compound was found to be a possible substitute for Magnesium with better working temperatures. This intermetallic compound was tried to be produced by ball milling Titanium powder with Iron powder, to test its hydrogen absorption properties. It was found that ball milling is a process that enables metal powder activation by destroying the oxide layer, thus enabling hydrogen absorbance. Moreover, a correct concentration of liquid control agent such as methanol, would help improve the morphology (fine particle size, great specific surface) obtained from ball milling, with reduced milling times. In addition, absorbance was experienced with the system designed and produced in the laboratory. With this system, working temperatures for hydrogen absorbance were reduced in comparison with other experiments by conducting the tests at higher pressions. Both specimens tested experienced hydrogen absorption and desorption. The metal powder milled longer had an overall higher hydrogen absorbance, however, the lesser milled powder obtained a higher peak of absorbance.