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Reversible hydrogen storage in reactive hydride composites under 400 K
Nicholas J Hall1, David M Grant2, Jacob L Prosser1
1Advanced Materials Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Researchers developed advanced Reactive Hydride Composites (RHCs) for efficient hydrogen storage. These novel materials enable reversible hydrogen release at lower temperatures, crucial for widespread hydrogen energy adoption.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Hydrogen storage is critical for renewable energy, but complex hydrides face temperature limitations for release and cycling.
- Lightweight complex hydrides offer high storage densities, yet practical application is hindered by their operating temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel ternary Reactive Hydride Composites (RHCs) for improved hydrogen storage.
- To systematically tune material composition for lower-temperature hydrogen release and enhanced cyclability.
Main Methods:
- Systematic tuning of LiBH₄ content within the Mg(NH₂)₂ - LiH framework.
- Investigating hydrogen release/reversibility at various temperatures.
- Analyzing reaction pathways within the RHCs.
Main Results:
- Achieved reversible hydrogen release starting below 393 K, a 100 K decrease from the baseline Mg(NH₂)₂ - LiH system.
- Demonstrated a hydrogen storage capacity of 3.1 wt% in the tuned RHCs.
- Confirmed RHCs operate within the usable range of low-grade waste heat.
Conclusions:
- Ternary RHCs offer a promising pathway for practical hydrogen storage applications.
- The developed RHCs are suitable for stationary and onboard hydrogen storage, utilizing waste heat.
- Understanding reaction pathways will guide the design of next-generation hydrogen storage materials.
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