Hydrogen storage properties of a Mg–Ni–Fe mixture prepared via planetary ball milling in a H2 atmosphere

A sample composition has been designed based on previously reported data. An 80 wt%Mg–13.33 wt%Ni–6.67 wt%Fe (referred to as Mg–13.33Ni–6.67Fe) sample exhibited higher hydriding and dehydriding rates after activation and a larger hydrogen storage capacity compared to those of other mixtures prepared under similar conditions. After activation (at n = 3), the sample absorbed 4.60 wt%H for 5 min and 5.61 wt%H for 60 min at 593 K under 12 bar H2. The sample desorbed 1.57 wt%H for 5 min and 3.92 wt%H for 30 min at 593 K under 1.0 bar H2. Rietveld analysis of the XRD pattern using FullProf program showed that the as-milled Mg–13.33Ni–6.67Fe sample contained Mg(OH)2 and MgH2 in addition to Mg, Ni, and Fe. The Mg(OH)2 phase is believed to be formed through the reaction of Mg or MgH2 with water vapor in the air. The dehydrided Mg–13.33Ni–6.67Fe sample after hydriding-dehydriding cycling contained Mg, Mg2Ni, MgO, and Fe.