Hydrogen sorption in MgH2-based composites: The role of Ni and LiBH4 additives

In the present work we investigate the hydrogen sorption properties of composites in the MgH2–Ni, MgH2–Ni–LiH and MgH2–Ni–LiBH4 systems and analyze why Ni addition improve hydrogen sorption rates while LiBH4 enhance the hydrogen storage capacity. Although all composites with Ni addition showed significantly improved hydrogen storage kinetics compared with the pure MgH2, the fastest hydrogen sorption kinetics is obtained for Ni-doped MgH2. The formation of Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 in Ni-doped MgH2 composite and its microstructure allows to uptake 5.0 wt% of hydrogen in 25 s and to release it in 8 min at 275 °C. In the MgH2–Ni–LiBH4 composite, decomposition of LiBH4 occurs during the first dehydriding leading to the formation of diborane, which has a Ni catalyst poison effect via the formation of a passivating boron layer. A combination of FTIR, XRD and volumetric measurements demonstrate that the formation of MgNi3B2 in the MgH2–Ni–LiBH4 composite happens in the subsequent hydriding cycle from the reaction between Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 and B. Activation energy analysis demonstrates that the presence of Ni particles has a catalytic effect in MgH2–Ni and MgH2–Ni–LiH systems, but it is practically nullified by the addition of LiBH4. The beneficial role of LiBH4 on the hydrogen storage capacity of the MgH2–Ni–LiBH4 composite is discussed.

► Hydrogen sorption properties of MgH2–Ni, MgH2–Ni–LiH and MgH2–Ni–LiBH4 composites are analyzed.
► MgH2–Ni composite displays superior hydrogen storage performance.
► Formation of Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 in MgH2–Ni and MgH2–Ni–LiH composites enhances hydrogen sorption properties.
► Simultaneous addition of Ni and LiBH4 to MgH2 does not show a synergetic effect on the sorption properties.
► LiBH4 decomposition creates physical channels for hydrogen diffusion.