In situ formation of an intimate solid-solid interface by reaction between MgH_(2) and Ti to stabilize metal hydride anode with high active material content

MgH_(2) and TiH_(2) have been extensively studied as potential anode materials due to their high theoretical specific capacities of 2036 and 1024 mAh/g,respectively.However,the large volume changes that these compounds undergo during cycling affects their performance and limits practical applications.The present work demonstrates a novel approach to limiting the volume changes of active materials.This effect is based on mechanical support from an intimate interface generated in situ via the reaction between MgH_(2) and Ti within the electrode prior to lithiation to form Mg and TiH_(2).The resulting Mg can be transformed back to MgH_(2) by reaction with LiH during delithiation.In addition,the TiH_(2) improves the reaction kinetics of MgH_(2) and enhances electrochemical performance.The intimate interface produced in this manner is found to improve the electrochemical properties of a MgH_(2)-Ti-LiH electrode.An exceptional reversible capacity of 800 mAh/g is observed even after 200 cycles with a high current density of 1 mA/cm^(2) and a high proportion of active material(90 wt.%)at an operation temperature of 120°C.This study therefore showcases a new means of improving the performance of electrodes by limiting the volume changes of active materials.

Process Design for Hybrid Sheet Metal Components

The global trends towards improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO;emissions are the key drivers for lightweight solutions. In sheet metal processing, this can be achieved by the use of materials with a supreme strength-toweight and stiffness-to-weight ratio. Besides monolithic materials such as high-strength or light metals, in particular metal–plastic composite sheets are able to provide outstanding mechanical properties. Thus, the adaption of conventional, wellestablished forming methods for the processing of hybrid sheet metals is a current challenge for the sheet metal working industry. In this work, the planning phase for a conventional sheet metal forming process is studied aiming at the forming of metal–plastic composite sheets. The single process steps like material characterization, FE analysis, tool design and development of robust process parameters are studied in detail and adapted to the specific properties of metal–plastic composites. In material characterization, the model of the hybrid laminate needs to represent not only the mechanical properties of the individual combined materials, but also needs to reflect the behaviour of the interface zone between them.Based on experience, there is a strong dependency on temperature as well as strain rate. While monolithic materials show a moderate anisotropic behaviour, loads on laminates in different directions generate different strain states and completely different failure modes. During the FE analysis, thermo-mechanic and thermo-dynamic effects influence the temperature distribution within tool and work pieces and subsequently the forming behaviour. During try out and production phase,those additional influencing factors are limiting the process window even more and therefore need to be considered for the design of a robust forming process. A roadmap for sheet metal forming adjusted to metal–plastic composites is presented in this paper.