A density functional theory study of defective and doped structures of MgB2 and their interaction with hydrogen

The LiBH4+MgH2 system exhibits promising potential for solid-state hydrogen storage, yet the sluggish rehydrogenation of MgB2 poses a significant challenge. In this study, we utilize density functional theory (DFT) simulations to investigate the energetics of hydrogen in pure, defective, and doped MgB2 in equilibrium with molecular hydrogen. Our findings reveal that the B-Frenkel defect process is the thermodynamically most favorable in MgB2. The calculated solution energy for hydrogen at the interstitial site indicates low hydrogen solubility, even at mild temperatures. Incorporating hydrogen into a pre-existing B vacancy enhances the process, facilitated by doping of O on the B site. Additionally, Li doping on the Mg site enhances incorporation by forming strong Li-H bonds, predicting lower activation barriers for hydrogen dissociation and diffusion. Doping MgB2 with O and F at the B site significantly enhances hydrogen solubility. These dopants make MgB2 a promising material for high-capacity and fast-kinetics hydrogen storage applications, and further research into these effects can lead to advancements in energy storage technology.