IMPROVED HYDROGEN STORAGE BY MG AND MG-NI MODIFIED BY ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS

A technique for using organic materials to improve the sorption properties of magnesium-based hydrogen-storage materials has been studied. A technique of metal vaporization into an organic matrix at 77 K is effective as a modification method. Small solvated magnesium particles formed by clustering in low temperature tetrahydrofuran (THF) matrices are exceptionally active for hydrogen absorption. The conditions of metal vaporization significantly affect the characteristics of magnesium particles (Mg-THF) obtained. The organic matrix in which the magnesium atoms are dispersed and in which crystal growth proceeds has a pronounced effect on the size and hydriding character of the particles formed. Modification by metal atoms vaporizing into organic matrices allows the formation of thermally stable and active solvated magnesium. The hydriding of the magnesium is controlled by initial surface reaction with subsequent diffusion of hydrogen through the growing hydride phase. An Mg-Ni sample obtained when magnesium and nickel metals are successively vaporized into THF matrices is much more active than magnesium alone.