Hydrogen absorption in Mg–Y–Zn ternary compounds

The ternary magnesium alloys Mg12YZn and Mg3Y2Zn3 have been investigated from a hydrogen absorption point of view. The crystal structure, morphology and hydrogen absorption properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and differential thermal analysis. Hydrogenations were performed at temperatures between 25–400 °C and hydrogen pressures ranging from 70 kPa to 1 MPa. Both Mg12YZn and Mg3Y2Zn3 decompose into MgH2, MgZn2 and YH3 at pressures above 1 MPa and 400 °C.