Deflagration characteristics of freely propagating flames in magnesium hydride dust clouds

The flame propagation processes of MgH_(2)dust clouds with four different particle sizes were recorded by a high-speed camera.The dynamic flame temperature distributions of MgH_(2)dust clouds were reconstructed by the two-color pyrometer technique,and the chemical composition of solid combustion residues were analyzed.The experimental results showed that the average flame propagation velocities of 23μm,40μm,60μm and 103μm MgH_(2)dust clouds in the stable propagation stage were 3.7 m/s,2.8 m/s,2.1 m/s and 0.9 m/s,respectively.The dust clouds with smaller particle sizes had faster flame propagation velocity and stronger oscillation intensity,and their flame temperature distributions were more even and the temperature gradients were smaller.The flame structures of MgH_(2)dust clouds were significantly affected by the particle sinking velocity,and the combustion processes were accompanied by micro-explosion of particles.The falling velocities of 23μm and 40μm MgH_(2)particles were 2.24 cm/s and 6.71 cm/s,respectively.While the falling velocities of 60μm and 103μm MgH_(2)particles were as high as 15.07 cm/s and 44.42 cm/s,respectively,leading to a more rapid downward development and irregular shape of the flame.Furthermore,the dehydrogenation reaction had a significant effect on the combustion performance of MgH_(2)dust.The combustion of H_(2)enhanced the ignition and combustion characteristics of MgH_(2)dust,resulting in a much higher explosion power than the pure Mg dust.The micro-structure characteristics and combustion residues composition analysis of MgH_(2)dust indicated that the combustion control mechanism of MgH_(2)dust flame was mainly the heterogeneous reaction,which was affected by the dehydrogenation reaction.

Unveiling a novel metal-to-metal transition in LuH_(2):Critically challenging superconductivity claims in lutetium hydrides

Following the recent report by Dasenbrock-Gammon et al.[Nature 615,244–250(2023)]of near-ambient superconductivity in nitrogendoped lutetium trihydride(LuH_(3-δ)N_(ε)),significant debate has emerged surrounding the composition and interpretation of the observed sharp resistance drop.Here,we meticulously revisit these claims through comprehensive characterization and investigations.We definitively identify the reported material as lutetium dihydride(LuH_(2)),resolving the ambiguity surrounding its composition.Under similar conditions(270–295 K and 1–2 GPa),we replicate the reported sharp decrease in electrical resistance with a 30%success rate,aligning with the observations by Dasenbrock-Gammon et al.However,our extensive investigations reveal this phenomenon to be a novel pressure-induced metal-to-metal transition intrinsic to LuH_(2),distinct from superconductivity.Intriguingly,nitrogen doping exerts minimal impact on this transition.Our work not only elucidates the fundamental properties of LuH_(2)andLuH_(3),but also critically challenges the notion of superconductivity in these lutetium hydride systems.These findings pave the way for future research on lutetium hydride systems,while emphasizing the crucial importance of rigorous verification in claims of ambient-temperature superconductivity.

Phase-field simulations of the effect of temperature and interface for zirconiumδ-hydrides

Hydride precipitation in zirconium cladding materials can damage their integrity and durability.Service temperature and material defects have a significant effect on the dynamic growth of hydrides.In this study,we have developed a phasefield model based on the assumption of elastic behaviour within a specific temperature range(613 K-653 K).This model allows us to study the influence of temperature and interfacial effects on the morphology,stress,and average growth rate of zirconium hydride.The results suggest that changes in temperature and interfacial energy influence the length-to-thickness ratio and average growth rate of the hydride morphology.The ultimate determinant of hydride orientation is the loss of interfacial coherency,primarily induced by interfacial dislocation defects and quantifiable by the mismatch degree q.An escalation in interfacial coherency loss leads to a transition of hydride growth from horizontal to vertical,accompanied by the onset of redirection behaviour.Interestingly,redirection occurs at a critical mismatch level,denoted as qc,and remains unaffected by variations in temperature and interfacial energy.However,this redirection leads to an increase in the maximum stress,which may influence the direction of hydride crack propagation.This research highlights the importance of interfacial coherency and provides valuable insights into the morphology and growth kinetics of hydrides in zirconium alloys.

Understanding the catalysis of chromium trioxide added magnesium hydride for hydrogen storage and Li ion battery applications

This study explores how the chemical interaction between magnesium hydride(MgH_(2))and the additive CrO_(3) influences the hydrogen/lithium storage characteristics of MgH_(2).We have observed that a 5 wt.%CrO_(3) additive reduces the dehydrogenation activation energy of MgH_(2) by 68 kJ/mol and lowers the required dehydrogenation temperature by 80℃.CrO_(3) added MgH_(2) was also tested as an anode in an Li ion battery,and it is possible to deliver over 90%of the total theoretical capacity(2038 mAh/g).Evidence for improved reversibility in the battery reaction is found only after the incorporation of additives with MgH_(2).In depth characterization study by X-ray diffraction(XRD)technique provides convincing evidence that the CrO_(3) additive interacts with MgH_(2) and produces Cr/MgO byproducts.Gibbs free energy analyses confirm the thermodynamic feasibility of conversion from MgH_(2)/CrO_(3) to MgO/Cr,which is well supported by the identification of Cr(0)in the powder by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)technique.Through high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM)and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS)we found evidence for the presence of 5 nm size Cr nanocrystals on the surface of MgO rock salt nanoparticles.There is also convincing ground to consider that MgO rock salt accommodates Cr in the lattice.These observations support the argument that creation of active metal–metal dissolved rock salt oxide interface may be vital for improving the reactivity of MgH_(2),both for the improved storage of hydrogen and lithium.

Properties of radiation defects and threshold energy of displacement in zirconium hydride obtained by new deep-learning potential

Zirconium hydride(ZrH_(2)) is an ideal neutron moderator material. However, radiation effect significantly changes its properties, which affect its behavior and the lifespan of the reactor. The threshold energy of displacement is an important quantity of the number of radiation defects produced, which helps us to predict the evolution of radiation defects in ZrH_(2).Molecular dynamics(MD) and ab initio molecular dynamics(AIMD) are two main methods of calculating the threshold energy of displacement. The MD simulations with empirical potentials often cannot accurately depict the transitional states that lattice atoms must surpass to reach an interstitial state. Additionally, the AIMD method is unable to perform largescale calculation, which poses a computational challenge beyond the simulation range of density functional theory. Machine learning potentials are renowned for their high accuracy and efficiency, making them an increasingly preferred choice for molecular dynamics simulations. In this work, we develop an accurate potential energy model for the ZrH_(2) system by using the deep-potential(DP) method. The DP model has a high degree of agreement with first-principles calculations for the typical defect energy and mechanical properties of the ZrH_(2) system, including the basic bulk properties, formation energy of point defects, as well as diffusion behavior of hydrogen and zirconium. By integrating the DP model with Ziegler–Biersack–Littmark(ZBL) potential, we can predict the threshold energy of displacement of zirconium and hydrogen in ε-ZrH_(2).

Magnesium nickel hydride monocrystalline nanoparticles for reversible hydrogen storage

Although Mg-based hydrides are extensively considered as a prospective material for solid-state hydrogen storage and clean energy carriers,their high operating temperature and slow kinetics are the main challenges for practical application.Here,a Mg-Ni based hydride,Mg_(2)NiH_(4) nanoparticles(~100 nm),with dual modification strategies of nanosizing and alloying is successfully prepared via a gas-solid preparation process.It is demonstrated that Mg_(2)NiH_(4) nanoparticles form a unique chain-like structure by oriented stacking and exhibit impressive hydrogen storage performance:it starts to release H2 at~170℃ and completes below 230℃ with a saturated capacity of 3.32 wt%and desorbs 3.14 wt% H_(2) within 1800 s at 200℃.The systematic characterizations of Mg_(2)NiH_(4) nanoparticles at different states reveal the dehydrogenation behavior and demonstrate the excellent structural and hydrogen storage stabilities during the de/hydrogenated process.This research is believed to provide new insights for optimizing the kinetic performance of metal hydrides and novel perspectives for designing highly active and stable hydrogen storage alloys.

Recent progress in thermodynamic and kinetics modification of magnesium hydride hydrogen storage materials

Hydrogen energy has emerged as a pivotal solution to address the global energy crisis and pave the way for a cleaner,low-carbon,secure,and efficient modern energy system.A key imperative in the utilization of hydrogen energy lies in the development of high-performance hydrogen storage materials.Magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials exhibit remarkable advantages,including high hydrogen storage density,cost-effectiveness,and abundant magnesium resources,making them highly promising for the hydrogen energy sector.Nonetheless,practical applications of magnesium hydride for hydrogen storage face significant challenges,primarily due to their slow kinetics and stable thermodynamic properties.Herein,we briefly summarize the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of MgH2,encompassing strategies such as alloying,nanoscaling,catalyst doping,and composite system construction to enhance its hydrogen storage performance.Notably,nanoscaling and catalyst doping have emerged as more effective modification strategies.The discussion focuses on the thermodynamic changes induced by nanoscaling and the kinetic enhancements resulting from catalyst doping.Particular emphasis lies in the synergistic improvement strategy of incorporating nanocatalysts with confinement materials,and we revisit typical works on the multi-strategy optimization of MgH2.In conclusion,we conduct an analysis of outstanding challenges and issues,followed by presenting future research and development prospects for MgH2 as hydrogen storage materials.

Superconductivity Observed in Tantalum Polyhydride at High Pressure

We report experimental discovery of tantalum polyhydride superconductor.It was synthesized under highpressure and high-temperature conditions using diamond anvil cell combined with in situ high-pressure laser heating techniques.The superconductivity was investigated via resistance measurements at pressures.The highest superconducting transition temperature T_(c)was found to be~30 K at 197 GPa in the sample that was synthesized at the same pressure with~2000 K heating.The transitions are shifted to low temperature upon applying magnetic fields that support the superconductivity nature.The upper critical field at zero temperatureμ_0H_(c2)(0)of the superconducting phase is estimated to be~20 T that corresponds to Ginzburg-Landau coherent length~40 A.Our results suggest that the superconductivity may arise from 143d phase of TaH_(3).It is,for the first time to our best knowledge,experimental realization of superconducting hydrides for the VB group of transition metals.

Pressure-Induced Color Change in the Lutetium Dihydride LuH2

The lutetium dihydride LuH2is stable at ambient conditions.Here we show that its color undergoes sequential changes from dark blue at ambient pressure to pink at ~2.2 GPa and then to bright red at ~4 GPa upon compression in a diamond anvil cell.Such a pressure-induced color change in LuH2is reversible and it is very similar to that recently reported in the N-doped lutetium hydride [Nature 615,244(2023)].However,our preliminary resistance measurements on LuH2under pressures up to ~7 GPa evidenced no superconductivity down to 1.5 K.

FeCoNiCrMo high entropy alloy nanosheets catalyzed magnesium hydride for solid-state hydrogen storage

The catalytic effect of FeCoNiCrMo high entropy alloy nanosheets on the hydrogen storage performance of magnesium hydride(MgH_(2))was investigated for the first time in this paper.Experimental results demonstrated that 9wt%FeCoNiCrMo doped MgH_(2)started to dehydrogenate at 200℃and discharged up to 5.89wt%hydrogen within 60 min at 325℃.The fully dehydrogenated composite could absorb3.23wt%hydrogen in 50 min at a temperature as low as 100℃.The calculated de/hydrogenation activation energy values decreased by44.21%/55.22%compared with MgH_(2),respectively.Moreover,the composite’s hydrogen capacity dropped only 0.28wt%after 20 cycles,demonstrating remarkable cycling stability.The microstructure analysis verified that the five elements,Fe,Co,Ni,Cr,and Mo,remained stable in the form of high entropy alloy during the cycling process,and synergistically serving as a catalytic union to boost the de/hydrogenation reactions of MgH_(2).Besides,the FeCoNiCrMo nanosheets had close contact with MgH_(2),providing numerous non-homogeneous activation sites and diffusion channels for the rapid transfer of hydrogen,thus obtaining a superior catalytic effect.

Physical Origin of Color Changes in Lutetium Hydride under Pressure

Recently,near-ambient superconductivity was claimed in nitrogen-doped lutetium hydride(LuH_(3-δ)N_(ε)).Unfortunately,all follow-up research still cannot find superconductivity signs in successfully synthesized lutetium dihydride(LuH_(2)) and N-doped LuH_(2±x)N_(y).However,a similar intriguing observation was the pressure-induced color changes(from blue to pink and subsequent red).The physical understanding of its origin and the correlation between the color,crystal structure,and chemical composition of Lu–H–N is still lacking.In this work,we systematically investigated the optical properties of LuH_(2) and LuH_(3),and the effects of hydrogen vacancies and nitrogen doping using the first-principles calculations by considering both interband and intraband contributions.Our results demonstrate that the evolution of reflectivity peaks near blue and red light,which is driven by changes in the band gap and Fermi velocity of free electrons,resulting in the blue-to-red color change under pressure.In contrast,LuH_(3) exhibits gray and no color change up to 50 GPa.Furthermore,we investigated the effects of hydrogen vacancies and nitrogen doping on its optical properties.Hydrogen vacancies can significantly decrease the pressure of blue-to-red color change in LuH_(2) but do not have a noticeable effect on the color of LuH_(3).The N-doped LuH_(2) with the substitution of a hydrogen atom at the tetrahedral position maintains the color change when the N-doping concentration is low.As the doping level increases,this trend becomes less obvious,while other N-doped structures do not show a blue-to-red color change.Our results can clarify the origin of the experimental observed blue-to-red color change in lutetium hydride and also provide a further understanding of the potential N-doped lutetium dihydride.

Phase-Field Simulation of δ Hydride Precipitation with Interfacial Anisotropy

Previous studies ofδhydride in zirconium alloys have mainly assumed an isotropic interface.In practice,the difference in crystal structure at the interface between the matrix phase and the precipitate phase results in an anisotropic interface.With the purpose of probing the real evolution ofδhydrides,this paper couples an anisotropy function in the interfacial energy and interfacial mobility.The influence of anisotropic interfacial energy and interfacial mobility on the morphology ofδhydride precipitation was investigated using the phase-field method.The results show that the isotropy hydride precipitates a slate-like morphology,and the anisotropicδhydride precipitates at the semi-coherent and non-coherent interfaces exhibited parallelogram-like and needle-like,which is consistent with the actual experimental morphology.Compared with the coherent interface,the semi-coherent or non-coherent interface adjusts the lattice mismatch,resulting in lower gradient energy that is more consistent with the true interfacial state.Simultaneously,an important chain of relationships is proposed,in the range of I_(x)<I_(y)<1.5I_(x)(I_(y)<I_(x) or I_(y)>1.5I_(x)),with the increase of the anisotropic mobility I_(y) in the y-axis,the gradient energy increases(decreases),the tendency of the non-coherent(semi-coherent)relationship at the interface,and the precipitation rate of hydride decreases(increases).Furthermore,the inhomogeneous stress distribution around the hydride leads to a localized enrichment of the hydrogen concentration,producing a hydride tip.The study of interfacial anisotropy is informative for future studies ofδhydride precipitation orientation and properties.

Evolution of microstructure, stress and dislocation of AlN thick film on nanopatterned sapphire substrates by hydride vapor phase epitaxy

A crack-free AlN film with 4.5 μm thickness was grown on a 2-inch hole-type nano-patterned sapphire substrates(NPSSs) by hydride vapor phase epitaxy(HVPE). The coalescence, stress evolution, and dislocation annihilation mechanisms in the AlN layer have been investigated. The large voids located on the pattern region were caused by the undesirable parasitic crystallites grown on the sidewalls of the nano-pattern in the early growth stage. The coalescence of the c-plane AlN was hindered by these three-fold crystallites and the special triangle void appeared. The cross-sectional Raman line scan was used to characterize the change of stress with film thickness, which corresponds to the characteristics of different growth stages of AlN. Threading dislocations(TDs) mainly originate from the boundary between misaligned crystallites and the c-plane AlN and the coalescence of two adjacent c-plane AlN crystals, rather than the interface between sapphire and AlN.

Relations of Microstructural Attributes and Strength-Ductility of Zirconium Alloys with Hydrides

As the first safety barrier of nuclear reactors,zirconium alloy cladding tubes have attracted extensive attention because of its good mechanical properties.The strength and ductility of zirconium alloy are of great significance to the service process of cladding tubes,while brittle hydrides precipitate and thus deteriorate the overall performance.Based on the cohesive finite element method,the effects of cohesive strength,interfacial characteristics,and hydrides geometric characteristics on the strength and ductility of two-phase material(zirconium alloy with hydrides)are numerically simulated.The results show that the fracture behavior is significantly affected by the cohesive strength and that the overall strength and ductility are sensitive to the cohesive strength of the zirconium alloy.Furthermore,the interface is revealed to have prominent effects on the overall fracture behavior.When the cohesive strength and fracture energy of the interface are higher than those of the hydride phase,fracture initiates in the hydrides,which is consistent with the experimental phenomena.In addition,it is found that the number density and arrangement of hydrides play important roles in the overall strength and ductility.Our simulation provides theoretical support for the performance analysis of hydrogenated zirconium alloys during nuclear reactor operation.

Recent advances on surface metal hydrides studied by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Metal hydrides (MeH) on solid surfaces, i.e., surface MeH, are ubiquitous but criticalspecies in heterogeneous catalysis, and their intermediate roles have been proposed innumerous reactions such as (de)hydrogenation and alkanes activation, etc., however, thedetailed spectroscopic characterizations remain challenging. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy has become a powerful tool in surface studies, asit provides access to local structural characterizations at atomic level from multipleviews, with comprehensive information on chemical bonding and spatial structures. Inthis review, we summarized and discussed the latest research developments on thesuccessful application of ssNMR to characterize surface MeH species on solid catalystsincluding supported single-site heterogeneous catalysts, bulk metal oxides and metalmodified zeolites. We also discussed the opportunities and challenges in this field, aswell as the potential application/development of state-of-the-art ssNMR technologies toenable further exploration of metal hydrides in heterogeneous catalysis.

Possible Evolutionary Models in the Initially Hydride Earth Theory

A modern view of the properties of chemical elements has confirmed the theory of the hot origin of the Earth. The next step in developing this theory was the hypothesis of the initial hydride Earth. In this work, we attempted to find additional evidence for this hypothesis and show additional effects that flow from it. The effect of the physical properties of atoms and ions on their behavior during the formation of the Earth was studied. The maximum contribution to the distribution of elements was made by those elements whose content in the original protoplanets of the disk was the maximum. Correlation dependence is obtained, which allows one to calculate the distribution of elements in the protoplanetary disk. It was shown that hydrogen was the main element in the proto substance located in the zone of the Earth’s formation. In this case, various chemical compounds formed, most represented by hydrogen compounds—hydrides. Since the pressure inside the Earth is 375 GPa, this factor forces the chemical compounds to adopt stoichiometry and structure that would not be available in atmospheric conditions. It is shown that many chemical elements at high pressure in a hydrogen medium form simple hydrides and super hydrides—polyhydrides with high hydrogen content. Pressure leads to a higher density of matter inside the planet. Given the possibility of forming polyhydrides, there is the possibility of binding the initially available hydrogen in an amount that can reach 49.3 mole%. Young Earth could contain about 10.7 mass% of hydrogen in hydrides, polyhydrides, and adsorbed form is almost twice higher than previous estimates. This fact additionally confirms the theory of the original hydride Earth. In hydrides, the occurrence of the phenomenon of superconductivity was discovered. Polyhydrides were shown as potential superconductors with a high critical temperature above 200 K. We, based on these data, hypothesized the presence of superconducting properties in the Earth’s core, which explains the presence of a magnetic field in the Earth, as well as the unevenness and instability of this field and the possibility of migration of the Earth’s poles. The fact that the Earth has a hydroid core causes its change in time due to the instability of hydrides. Arranged several possible models of the destruction of the Earth’s core. The calculations showed that both models give close results. These results give predictions that can be measured. The proposed models also made it possible to estimate the initial size of the Earth. Possible ways of further testing the hypothesis of the initial hydride Earth is shown.

Hydrogen desorption kinetics mechanism of Mg-Ni hydride under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions

The Mg-Ni hydride was prepared by hydriding combustion synthesis under a high magnetic field. The dehydriding kinetics of the hydrides was measured under the isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. A model was applied to analyzing the kinetics behavior of Mg-Ni hydride. The calculation results show that the theoretical value and the experimental data can reach a good agreement, especially in the case of non-isothermal dehydriding. The rate-controlling step is the diffusion of hydrogen atoms in the solid solution. The sample prepared under magnetic field of 6 T under the isothermal condition can reach the best performance. The similar tendency was observed under the non-isothermal condition and the reason was discussed.

Properties of hydrogen permeation barrier on the surface of zirconium hydride

A hydrogen permeation barrier was manufactured by the in situ reaction of zirconium hydride with oxygen. A reduction in the hydrogen permeation of the oxide films was detected by measuring the mass difference of the zirconium hydride samples after the dehydrogenation experiment. The reaction of zirconium hydride with oxygen occurs only under the condition that the temperature is higher than 673 K in the oxygen partial pressure of 0.1 MPa. The oxide film is composed of two layers, a permeable oxide layer and a dense oxide layer, and the main phase of the oxide film is ZrO2 with baddeleyite structure. The XPS analysis shows that O-H bonds exist in the oxide film, which are helpful for resisting hydrogen diffusion through the oxide film.

Degradation Behavior of Electrochemical Performance of Sealed-Type Nickel/Metal Hydride Batteries

The degradation mechanism of electrochemical performance of sealed type nickel/metal hydride batteries was investigated. The results indicate that the degradation behavior of Ni/MH battery is not only owing to the lack of electrolyte, but also the deterioration of the active materials on the positive and negative electrodes of Ni/MH batteries. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM), X ray diffraction (XRD) and laser granularity analyses are presented. The particle pulverization and oxidation during charge/discharge are identified as the main causes for deterioration of the negative and positive electrode in nickel/metal hydride batteries, as well as the cross section cracking of both anode and cathode.

Laves phase hydrogen storage alloys for super-high-pressure metal hydride hydrogen compressors

Ti-Cr- and Ti-Mn-based alloys were prepared to be low- and high-pressure stage metals for a double-stage super-high-pressure metal hydride hydrogen compressor. Their crystallographic characteristics and hydrogen storage properties were investigated. The alloy pair Ti0.9Zr0.1Mn1.4- Cr0.35V0.2Fe0.05/TiCr1.55Mn0.2Fe0.2 was optimized based on the comprehensive performance of the studied alloys. The product hydrogen with a pressure of 100 MPa could be produced from 4 MPa feed gas when hot oil was used as a heat reservoir.