Distribution and dynamics of hydrogen in the low-temperature phase of Mg(2)NiH(4) studied by solid-state NMR

Distribution and dynamics of hydrogen atoms in the low-temperature phase of Mg(2)NiH(4) have been studied by means of (2)H and (1)H NMR for Mg(2)NiD(4) and Mg(2)NiH(4), respectively. (2)H NMR spectra have been measured in the temperature range between 200 and 340 K, and the line shapes were simulated. The temperature dependence of (2)H NMR spectra was quite well simulated assuming a distorted tetrahedral configuration and a pseudoisotropic rotation of the NiD(4) unit. The estimated jump frequency obeyed Arrhenius relation with a frequency factor of (0.8 +/- 0.6) x 10(13) Hz and an activation energy of 50.1 +/- 1.4 kJ/mol. (1)H NMR spectra were acquired from 240 to 360 K. The observed (1)H second moments were 202 kHz(2) in the rigid lattice (240 K) and 46.6 kHz(2) in a motional state (360 K). The value in the rigid lattice supported the tetrahedron model, and the value in a motional state indicated the isotropic rotation of the NiH(4) unit. Conclusively, the NiH(4) unit has the distorted tetrahedral configuration and undergoes the pseudoisotropic rotation.