Hydrogen storage properties of a Mg–Ce oxide nano-composite prepared through arc plasma method

Mg based Mg–Ce oxide nano-composite powders were prepared through arc plasma evaporation of Mg–5 wt.%CeO2 mixture followed by passivation in air. ICP, XRD, TEM and PCT techniques were used to characterize the composition, phase components, microstructure and hydrogen sorption properties of the composite. It is shown that CeO2 transformed into Ce2O3 after arc evaporation and nanoscale Ce2O3 particles are attached on the surface of Mg particles, forming a core–shell structured metal-oxide nano-composite. The hydrogenation and dehydrogenation enthalpies of the composite are calculated to be −71 kJ/mol H2 and 75.41 kJ/mol H2, respectively, while the activation energy for hydrogen absorption is 47.75 kJ/mol H2. In addition, the composite can absorb 4.07 wt.% of hydrogen at 323 K in 10 h. These results revealed that the minor addition of Ce oxide in Mg through arc plasma method is able to improve significantly the hydrogen absorption kinetics of Mg.

► A Mg–Ce oxide nano-composite is prepared through arc plasma method.
► CeO2 transformed to Ce2O3 after arc plasma evaporation and condensation.
► Ce2O3 covered on Mg particles improves the hydrogen absorption kinetics.
► The Mg–Ce oxide composite can absorb 4 wt.% of hydrogen at 323 K after 10 h.