DYNAMIC Activation of Magnesium-Based ComposiTes for Hydrogen Storage – ADyCT

Hydrogen is a key issue for renewable energies. The solid-state storage of hydrogen in the form of metallic hydrides offers numerous advantages, including safety, in comparison with cryogenic liquid and compressed gas possibilities. Magnesium, an abundant and relatively cheap metal, reacts with hydrogen to form a hydride (MgH2) having a high volumetric capacity. Therefore, the manufacturing of high-capacity tanks containing magnesium is a major challenge for the development of the hydrogen sector.
Thermodynamic and kinetic properties of MgH2 currently restrict its widespread use: (i) slow hydrogen sorption kinetics, and (ii) a sorption/desorption temperature that remains too high. Several methods, such as the introduction of catalysts and nanostructuring, have been suggested to overcome these limitations. However, safe mass production strictly restricts the use of nanostructured powders which are known to be extremely pyrophoric. Thus, in order to optimize hydrogen sorption reactions, severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques offer a high potential, as they enable the synthesis of massive materials that are easily transportable and non-flammable in contact with air.
The aim of this project is to compare two SPD techniques: slow hyperdeformation using HPT (High Pressure Torsion) and a new dynamic forging, which is much more suited to mass production.
The mechanical consolidation of Mg-based precursors/composites? by these two techniques should produce very different microstructures, whose response to hydrogen sorption cycles will provide a better understanding of the effect of different microstructural parameters and mechanism at play to accelerate sorption.
If the forging parameters are suitable, we could go further towards the development of an industrial setting.