Structural and Hydrogen Storage Properties Of Mg-x Wt% ZrCrMn Composites

Magnesium hydride is a promising material for hydrogen storage due to its high storage capacity i.e.7.6wt%. But its high stability i.e. high desorption temperature (~350? o C) limits its practical application towards hydrogen economy. Moreover the kinetics is also too slow even at high temperatures. Composite formation with Zr based laves phase alloys, especially ZrCr2 family, is an effective method to improve the hydriding properties of MgH2. This work presents the synthesis, structural, morphological, and hydrogenation properties of Mg-x wt% ZrCrMn composites. Both phases i.e. Mg & ZrCrMn remain their presence after milling and several hydriding cycles as well. SEM results suggest the homogeneous distribution of alloy particles on Mg matrix. Pressure composition temperature (PCT) analysis shows a reduction in desorption temperature down to 250 o C for these composites. TG experiments suggest a total hydrogen capacity of 5.9% and 4.35% for x =25, 50 in Mg-x wt% ZrCrMn composites respe