HYDROGEN ABSORPTION IN NANOCRYSTALLINE MG2NI FORMED BY MECHANICAL ALLOYING

High-energy ball milling has been used to produce nanocrystalline Mg2Ni with grain sizes of about 20-30 nm. Results on the hydrogen storage characteristics of the material are presented. Enhancements were found in the kinetics of hydrogen absorption and in the activation pretreatment. Nanocrystalline Mg2Ni readily absorbs hydrogen at temperatures lower than 250 degrees C. Further improvements (i.e. absorption at room temperature with relatively good kinetics) have been effected by additional surface modification with Pd catalyst.