Nanostructured magnesium hydride for pilot tank development

The aim of the present work was a systematic investigation on MgH2 co-milled with transition metals M, in order to develop large batches of suitable materials for hydrogen storage. Systematic ball-milling operations were done using a planetary miller, thus leading to combine the transition metal with MgH2 to form successive MHx hydrides. The initiating role of the metal hydride MHx was evidenced by in situ neutron diffraction experiments. The co-milling conditions were transferred to MCP Technologies SA, where highly reactive batches of powders were processed. These powders appear to be very stable on cycling, provided the desorbed powders are not exposed to a temperature higher than 370 degrees C. A small scale MgH2 tank was developed. Absorption and desorption cycles have been operated in different experimental conditions. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.