Nanostructuring of Mg-Based Hydrogen Storage Materials:Recent Advances for Promoting Key Applications

With the depletion of fossil fuels and global warming,there is an urgent demand to seek green,low-cost,and high-efficiency energy resources.Hydrogen has been considered as a potential candidate to replace fossil fuels,due to its high gravimetric energy density(142 MJ kg^(-1)),high abundance(H_(2)O),and environmentalfriendliness.However,due to its low volume density,effective and safe hydrogen storage techniques are now becoming the bottleneck for the"hydrogen economy".Under such a circumstance,Mg-based hydrogen storage materials garnered tremendous interests due to their high hydrogen storage capacity(~7.6 wt%for MgH_(2)),low cost,and excellent reversibility.However,the high thermodynamic stability(ΔH=-74.7 kJ mol^(-1)H_(2))and sluggish kinetics result in a relatively high desorption temperature(>300℃),which severely restricts widespread applications of MgH_(2).Nano-structuring has been proven to be an effective strategy that can simultaneously enhance the ab/de-sorption thermodynamic and kinetic properties of MgH_(2),possibly meeting the demand for rapid hydrogen desorption,economic viability,and effective thermal management in practical applications.Herein,the fundamental theories,recent advances,and practical applications of the nanostructured Mg-based hydrogen storage materials are discussed.The synthetic strategies are classified into four categories:free-standing nano-sized Mg/MgH_(2)through electrochemical/vapor-transport/ultrasonic methods,nanostructured Mg-based composites via mechanical milling methods,construction of core-shell nano-structured Mg-based composites by chemical reduction approaches,and multi-dimensional nano-sized Mg-based heterostructure by nanoconfinement strategy.Through applying these strategies,near room temperature ab/de-sorption(<100℃)with considerable high capacity(>6 wt%)has been achieved in nano Mg/MgH_(2)systems.Some perspectives on the future research and development of nanostructured hydrogen storage materials are also provided.

In situ formation of multiple catalysts for enhancing the hydrogen storage of MgH_(2) by adding porous Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni loaded carbon nanotubes microspheres

MgH_(2) is considered one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials because of its safety,high efficiency,high hydrogen storage quantity and low cost characteristics.But some shortcomings are still existed:high operating temperature and poor hydrogen absorption dynamics,which limit its application.Porous Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni loaded carbon nanotubes microspheres(NZC/Ni@CNT)is prepared by facile filtration and calcination method.Then the different amount of NZC/Ni@CNT(2.5,5.0 and 7.5 wt%)is added to the MgH_(2) by ball milling.Among the three samples with different amount of NZC/Ni@CNT(2.5,5.0 and 7.5 wt%),the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT composite exhibits the best hydrogen storage performances.After testing,the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT begins to release hydrogen at around 110℃ and hydrogen absorption capacity reaches 2.34 wt%H_(2) at 80℃ within 60 min.Moreover,the composite can release about 5.36 wt%H_(2) at 300℃.In addition,hydrogen absorption and desorption activation energies of the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT composite are reduced to 37.28 and 84.22 KJ/mol H_(2),respectively.The in situ generated Mg_(2)NiH_(4)/Mg_(2)Ni can serve as a"hydrogen pump"that plays the main role in providing more activation sites and hydrogen diffusion channels which promotes H_(2) dissociation during hydrogen absorption process.In addition,the evenly dispersed Zn and MgZn2 in Mg and MgH_(2) could provide sites for Mg/MgH_(2) nucleation and hydrogen diffusion channel.This attempt clearly proved that the bimetallic carbide Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7) is a effective additive for the hydrogen storage performances modification of MgH_(2),and the facile synthesis of the Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni@CNT can provide directions of better designing high performance carbide catalysts for improving MgH_(2).

Improved hydrogen storage kinetics of MgH_(2) using TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04) with in-situ generated α-Fe as catalyst

While TiFe alloy has recently attracted attention as the efficient catalyst to enhance de/hydrogenation rates of Mg/MgH_(2),the difficulty of its activation characteristics has hindered further improvement of reaction kinetics.Herein,we report that the TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04) catalyst can overcome the abovementioned challenges.The synthesized MgH_(2)-30 wt% TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04) can release 4.5 wt%of hydrogen in 16 min at 250℃,three times as fast as MgH_(2).The activation energy of dehydrogenation was as low as 84.6 kJ mol^(-1),which is 46.8%reduced from pure MgH_(2).No clear degradation of reaction rates and hydrogen storage capacity was observed for at least 30 cycles.Structural studies reveal that TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04) partially decomposes to in-situ generatedα-Fe particles dispersed on TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04).The presence ofα-Fe reduces the formation of an oxide layer on TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04),enabling the activation processes.At the same time,the hydrogen incorporation capabilities of TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04) can provide more hydrogen diffusion paths,which promote hydrogen dissociation and diffusion.These discoveries demonstrate the advanced nature and importance of combining the in-situ generatedα-Fe with TiFe_(0.92)Mn_(0.04)Co_(0.04).It provides a new strategy for designing highly efficient and stable catalysts for Mg-based hydrogen storage materials.

Kinetics in Mg-based hydrogen storage materials:Enhancement and mechanism

Mg-based materials have been intensively studied for hydrogen storage applications due to their high energy density up to 2600 Wh/kg or 3700 Wh/L.However,the Mg-based materials with poor kinetics and the necessity for a high temperature to achieve 0.1 MPa hydrogen equilibrium pressure limit the applications in the onboard storage in Fuel cell vehicles(FCVs).Over the past decades,many methods have been applied to improve the hydriding/dehydriding(H/D)kinetics of Mg/MgH 2 by forming amorphous or nanosized particles,adding catalysts and employing external energy field,etc.However,which method is more effective and the intrinsic mechanism they work are widely differing versions.The hydrogenation and dehydrogenation behaviors of Mg-based alloys analyzing by kinetic models is an efficient way to reveal the H/D kinetic mechanism.However,some recently proposed models with physical meaning and simple analysis method are not known intimately by researchers.Therefore,this review focuses on the enhancement method of kinetics in Mg-based hydrogen storage materials and introduces the new kinetic models.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of hydriding and dehydriding reactions in Mg-based hydrogen storage materials

Mg-based materials are one of the most promising hydrogen storage candidates due to their high hydrogen storage capacity,environmental benignity,and high Clarke number characteristics.However,the limited thermodynamics and kinetic properties pose major challenges for their engineering applications.Herein,we review the recent progress in improving their thermodynamics and kinetics,with an emphasis on the models and the influence of various parameters in the calculated models.Subsequently,the impact of alloying,composite,and nanocrystallization on both thermodynamics and dynamics are discussed in detail.In particular,the correlation between various modification strategies and the hydrogen capacity,dehydrogenation enthalpy and temperature,hydriding/dehydriding rates are summarized.In addition,the mechanism of hydrogen storage processes of Mg-based materials is discussed from the aspect of classical kinetic theories and microscope hydrogen transferring behavior.This review concludes with an outlook on the remaining challenge issues and prospects.

Mg-based materials for hydrogen storage

Over the last decade’s magnesium and magnesium based compounds have been intensively investigated as potential hydrogen storage as well as thermal energy storage materials due to their abundance and availability as well as their extraordinary high gravimetric and volumetric storage densities.This review work provides a broad overview of the most appealing systems and of their hydrogenation/dehydrogenation properties.Special emphasis is placed on reviewing the efforts made by the scientific community in improving the material’s thermodynamic and kinetic properties while maintaining a high hydrogen storage capacity.

MXene-based materials for electrochemical energy storage

Rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors are widely investigated as the most important electrochemical energy storage devices nowadays due to the booming energy demand for electric vehicles and hand-held electronics. The large surface-area-to-volume ratio and internal surface areas endow two-dimensional（2D） materials with high mobility and high energy density; therefore, 2D materials are very promising candidates for Li ion batteries and supercapacitors with comprehensive investigations. In 2011, a new kind of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides, MXene, were successfully obtained from MAX phases. Since then about 20 different kinds of MXene have been prepared. Other precursors besides MAX phases and even other methods such as chemical vapor deposition（CVD） were also applied to prepare MXene, opening new doors for the preparation of new MXene. Their 2D nature and good electronic properties ensure the inherent advantages as electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the development of MXene with emphasis on the applications to electrochemical energy storage. Also, future perspective and challenges of MXene-based materials are briefly discussed regrading electrochemical energy storage.

Fabrication of Al_2O_3-NaCl Composite Heat Storage Materials by One-step Synthesis Method

Thermal energy storage is an attractive option for effectiveness since it gives flexibility and reduces energy consumption and costs. New composite materials for storage and transformation of heat of NaCl-Al2O3composite materials were synthesized by one-step synthesis method. The chemical composition, morphology, structure, and thermal properties were investigated by XRD, EDS, SEM, and DSC. The results show that NaCl can be absorbed by Al2O3particle from 800 to 900 ℃ for Al2O3particle surface is rich active structure. The results also indicate that the leakage of NaCl when the phase change can be prevented by Al2O3particles and the enthalpy of phase change of NaCl-Al2O3material is 362 J/g. The composites have an excellent heat storage capacity. Therefore, this study contributes to one new thought and method to prepare high temperature heat storage material and this material can be applied in future thermal engineering.

Synthesis gas production using oxygen storage materials as oxygen carrier over circulating fluidized bed

A novel process for synthesis gas production over Circulating Fluidized Bed （CFB） using oxygen storage materials as oxygen carder was reported. First, oxygen in the air was chemically fixed and converted to lattice oxygen of oxygen storage materials over regenerator, and then methane was selectively oxidized to synthesis gas with lattice oxygen of oxygen storage materials over riser reactor. The results from simulation reaction of CFB by sequential redox reaction on a fixed bed reactor using lanthanum-based perovskite LaFeO3 and La0.8Sr0.2Fe0.9CO0.1O3 oxides prepared by sol-gel, suggested that the depleted oxygen species could be regenerated, and methane could be oxidized to synthesis gas by lattice oxygen with high selectivity. The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas over CFB using lattice oxygen of the oxygen storage materials instead of gaseous oxygen should be possibly applicable.

Magnesium-based energy materials: Progress, challenges, and perspectives

Magnesium-based energy materials, which combine promising energy-related functional properties with low cost, environmental compatibility and high availability, have been regarded as fascinating candidates for sustainable energy conversion and storage. In this review,we provide a timely summary on the recent progress in three types of important Mg-based energy materials, based on the fundamental strategies of composition and structure engineering. With regard to Mg-based materials for batteries, we systematically review and analyze different material systems, structure regulation strategies as well as the relevant performance in Mg-ion batteries(MIBs) and Mg-air batteries(MABs), covering cathodes, electrolytes, anodes for MIBs, and anodes for MABs;as to Mg-based hydrogen storage materials, we discuss how catalyst adding, composite, alloying and nanostructuring improve the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of de/hydrogenation reactions, and in particular, the impacts of composition and structure modification on hydrogen absorption/dissociation processes and free energy modification mechanism are focused;regarding Mg-based thermoelectric materials, the relations between composition/structure and electrical/thermal transport properties of Mg_(3)X_(2)(X = Sb, Bi), Mg_(2)X(X = Si, Ge, Sn) and Mg Ag Sb-based materials, together with the representative research progress of each material system, are summarized and discussed. Finally, by pointing out remaining challenges and providing possible solutions, this review aims to shed light on the directions and perspectives for practical applications of magnesium-based energy materials in the future.

Facet-dependent catalytic activity of two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene on hydrogen storage performance of MgH_(2)

Two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXenes exposing different active facets are introduced into MgH_(2), and their catalytic effects are systematically investigated in depth through experimental and theoretical approaches. Excluding factors such as interlayer space, surface functional groups and experimental contingency, the exposed facets is considered to be the dominant factor for catalytic activity of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) towards MgH_(2).More exposed edge facets of Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) displays higher catalytic activity than that with more exposed basal facets, which also leads to different rate-controlling steps of MgH_(2) in the de/hydrogenation process. The low work function, strong hydrogen affinity and high content of in situ metallic Ti for the edge facet contribute the high catalytic activity. This work will give insights into the structural design of two-dimensional Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene used for enhancing the catalytic activity in various fields.

Effect of ternary transition metal sulfide FeNi_(2)S_(4)on hydrogen storage performance of MgH_(2)

Hydrogen storage is a key link in hydrogen economy,where solid-state hydrogen storage is considered as the most promising approach because it can meet the requirement of high density and safety.Thereinto,magnesium-based materials(MgH_(2))are currently deemed as an attractive candidate due to the potentially high hydrogen storage density(7.6 wt%),however,the stable thermodynamics and slow kinetics limit the practical application.In this study,we design a ternary transition metal sulfide FeNi_(2)S_(4)with a hollow balloon structure as a catalyst of MgH_(2)to address the above issues by constructing a MgH_(2)/Mg_(2)NiH_(4)-MgS/Fe system.Notably,the dehydrogenation/hydrogenation of MgH_(2)has been significantly improved due to the synergistic catalysis of active species of Mg_(2)Ni/Mg_(2)NiH_(4),MgS and Fe originated from the MgH_(2)-FeNi_(2)S_(4)composite.The hydrogen absorption capacity of the MgH_(2)-FeNi_(2)S_(4)composite reaches to 4.02 wt%at 373 K for 1 h,a sharp contrast to the milled-MgH_(2)(0.67 wt%).In terms of dehydrogenation process,the initial dehydrogenation temperature of the composite is 80 K lower than that of the milled-MgH_(2),and the dehydrogenation activation energy decreases by 95.7 kJ·mol-1 compared with the milled-MgH_(2)(161.2 kJ·mol^(-1)).This method provides a new strategy for improving the dehydrogenation/hydrogenation performance of the MgH_(2)material.

Preface to Special Topic:Graphene and 2D Materials for Energy Storage

Graphene, a single layer of graphite, has been one of the first real two dimensional （2D） materials isolated in 2004. Thus, graphene is becoming a cutting edge material that opens up new horizons to a whole family of 2D materials beyond the limited current applicability of graphene. The unique advantages of graphene and analogue 2D materials, such as atomic-scale thickness, high specific surface area, mechanically flexible robustness, superior storage capacity, endow them as high-performance electrodes lbr electrochemical energy storage devices. Although it is hard to say whether or not graphene and 2D materials will be implemented in future energy technologies, the recent achievements in this field demonstrate that their roles will be noticeable in the near future.

Development of Sensible Heat Storage Materials Using Sand, Clay and Coal Bottom Ash

In this paper, the mechanical and thermal properties of a sand-clay ceramic with additives coal bottom ash (CBA) waste from incinerator coal power plant are investigated to develop an alternative material for thermal energy storage (TES). Ceramic balls are developed at 1000&deg;C and 1060&deg;C using sintering or firing method. The obtained ceramics were compressed with a compression machine and thermally analyse using Decagon devise KD2 Pro thermal analyser. A muffle furnace was also used for thermal cycling at 610&deg;C. It was found that the CBA increased the porosity, which resulted in the increase of the axial tensile strength reaching 3.5 MPa for sand-clay and ash ceramic. The ceramic balls with the required tensile strength for TES were selected. Their volumetric heat capacity, and thermal conductivity range respectively from 2.4075 MJ&middot;m-3&middot;&deg;C-1 to 3.426 MJ&middot;m-3&middot;&deg;C-1 and their thermal conductivity from 0.331 Wm-1&middot;K-1, to 1.014 Wm-1&middot;K-1 depending on sand origin, size and firing temperature. The selected formulas have good thermal stability because the most fragile specimens after 60 thermal cycles did not present any cracks. These properties allow envisioning the use of the ceramic balls developed as filler material for thermocline thermal energy storage (structured beds) in Concentrating Solar Power plants. And for other applications like solar cooker and solar dryer.

Experimental and theoretical studies on two-dimensional vanadium carbide hybrid nanomaterials derived from V_(4)AlC_(3) as excellent catalyst for MgH_(2)

Hydrogen is considered one of the most ideal future energy carriers.The safe storage and convenient transportation of hydrogen are key factors for the utilization of hydrogen energy.In the current investigation,two-dimensional vanadium carbide(VC) was prepared by an etching method using V_(4)AlC_(3) as a precursor and then employed to enhance the hydrogen storage properties of MgH_(2).The studied results indicate that VC-doped MgH_(2) can absorb hydrogen at room temperature and release hydrogen at 170℃. Moreover,it absorbs 5.0 wt.%of H_(2) within 9.8 min at 100℃ and desorbs 5.0 wt.% of H_(2) within 3.2 min at 300℃.The dehydrogenation apparent activation energy of VC-doped MgH_(2) is 89.3 ± 2.8 kJ/mol,which is far lower than that of additive-free MgH_(2)(138.5 ± 2.4 kJ/mol),respectively.Ab-initio simulations showed that VC can stretch Mg-H bonds and make the Mg-H bonds easier to break,which is responsible for the decrease of dehydrogenation temperature and conducive to accelerating the diffusion rate of hydrogen atoms,thus,the hydrogen storage properties of MgH_(2) are remarkable improved through addition of VC.

Novel progress in the development of hydrogen storage materials

A new dehydrogenation mechanism for LiBH4, a new hydrogen storage material, has recently been

Studying the variable energy band structure for energy storage materials in charge/discharge process

So far,a clear understanding about the relationship of variable energy band structure with the corresponding charge-discharge process of energy storage materials is still lacking.Here,using optical spectroscopy(red-green-blue(RGB)value,reflectivity,transmittance,UV-vis,XPS,UPS)to studyα-Co(OH)_(2) electrode working in KOH electrolyte as the research object,we provide direct experimental evidence that:(1)The intercalation of OH-ions will reduce the valence/conduction band(VB and CB)and band gap energy(Eg)values;(2)The deintercalation of OH-ions corresponds with the reversion of VB,CB and E_(g) to the initial values;(3)The color of Co(OH)_(2) electrode also exhibit regular variations in RGB value during the charge-discharge process.

Understanding the dehydrogenation properties of Mg(0001)/MgH_(2)(110)interface from first principles

Magnesium hydride is one of the most promising solid-state hydrogen storage materials for on-board application.Hydrogen desorption from MgH_(2) is accompanied by the formation of the Mg/MgH_(2) interfaces,which may play a key role in the further dehydrogenation process.In this work,first-principles calculations have been used to understand the dehydrogenation properties of the Mg(0001)/MgH_(2)(110) interface.It is found that the Mg(0001)/MgH_(2)(110) interface can weaken the Mg-H bond.The removal energies for hydrogen atoms in the interface zone are significantly lower compared to those of bulk MgH_(2).In terms of H mobility,hydrogen diffusion within the interface as well as into the Mg matrix is considered.The calculated energy barriers reveal that the migration of hydrogen atoms in the interface zone is easier than that in the bulk MgH_(2).Based on the hydrogen removal energies and diffusion barriers,we conclude that the formation of the Mg(0001)/MgH_(2)(110) interface facilitates the dehydrogenation process of magnesium hydride.

Catalytic effect of Ni@rGO on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2

Uniform-uispersed Ni nanoparticics(NPs)anchored on reduced graphene oxide(Ni@rGO)catalyzed MgH2(MH-Ni@rGO)has been fabricated by mechanical milling.The effects of milling time and Ni loading amount on the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2 have been investigated.The initial hydrogen desorption temperature of MgH2 catalyzed by 10 wt.%Ni4@rGO6 for milling 5 h is significantly decreased from 251℃ to 190℃.The composite can absorb 5.0 wt.%hydrogen in 20 min at 100℃,while it can desorb 6.1 wt.%within 15 min at 300℃.Through the investigation of the phase transformation and dehydrogenation kinetics during hydrogen ab/desorption cycles,we found that the in-situ formed Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 exhibited better catalytic effect than Ni.When Ni loading amount is 45 wt.%,the rGO in Ni@rGO catalysts can prevent the reaction of Ni and Mg due to the strong interaction between rGO and Ni NPs.

Tailoring MgH_(2) for hydrogen storage through nanoengineering and catalysis

Hydrogen energy has been recognized as “Ultimate Power Source” in the 21st century, which could be the best solution to the looming energy crisis and climate degeneration in the near future. Due to its high safety, low price, abundant resources and decent hydrogen storage density, magnesium based solid-state hydrogen storage materials are becoming the leading candidate for onboard hydrogen storage. However,the high operation temperature and slow reaction rate of MgH_(2), as a result of the large formation enthalpy and high reaction activation energy,respectively, are the first and most difficult problems we need to face and overcome to realize its industrialization. Herein, a state-of-the-art review on tailoring the stable thermodynamics and sluggish kinetics of hydrogen storage in MgH_(2), particularly through nanoengnieering and catalysis is presented, aiming to provide references and solutions for its promotion and application. Promising methods to overcome the challenges faced by MgH_(2)/Mg, such as bidirectional catalysts and nanoconfinement with in-situ catalysis are compared and the required improvements are discussed to stimulate further discussions and ideas in the rational design of MgH_(2)/Mg systems with ability for hydrogen release/uptake at lower temperatures and cycle stability in the near future.