Improvement in H-sorption kinetics of MgH2 powders by using Fe nanoparticles generated by reactive FeF3 addition

We report the development of new nanostructured MgH2 composites in which fluorine and TM catalysts are introduced through the addition of TM fluorides such as FeF3. A fluorine transfer reaction then occurs to generate protective MgF2 plus Fe nanoparticles catalyst. The powders show sharply accelerated H-sorption kinetics at 300 °C. H-sorption at rates acceptable for applications can be obtained at temperatures much lower than those reported for MgH2 with other catalysts without significant loss of capacity.