Microstructural optimization of LaMg12 alloy for hydrogen storage

▶ The microstructural modification of the LaMg12 alloy was performed by means of the Rapid Solidification technique. The structure and microstructure of the alloys were closely related to the solidification rate. ▶ Three types of the parent crystal structures, including, for the first time reported for the La-Mg alloys, hexagonal TbCu7 type, together with the earlier known tetragonal ThMn12 and orthorhombic LaMg11 types, were revealed. ▶ Fine nanostructuring of the material leads to a complete recombination process to form LaMg11 from LaH3 and MgH2 and to the enhancement of hydrogen exchange. ▶ Rapid Solidification proves to be an efficient route in favourably modifying of the hydrogenation behaviour of the intermetallics of rare earth metals and magnesium.