Hydrogen Storage Properties of Nanocrystalline Mg 2 Ni Based Alloys Prepared by Ball-Milling

Abstract

Nanocrystalline hydrides are a new class of material in which outstanding hydrogen sorption may be obtained by proper engineering of the microstructure and surface. The nanocrystalline Mg 2 Ni alloy is a promising hydrogen storage material. In the present work, nanocrystalline Mg 2 Ni alloy powders with grain size of about 50 nm were prepared by high-energy ball-milling, and its phase, crystal structure and hydrogen storage properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy and pressure-composition isotherms, respectively. The hydrogen storage characteristics of Mg 2 Ni are also presented. Nanocrystalline Mg 2 Ni can readily absorb hydrogen at temperature lower than 523 K. The reversible hydrogen capacity is up to 3.5 wt.%.