A Comparative Analysis of Hydrogen Storage Characteristics in AZ31 Magnesium Alloy with the Addition of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes via Ball Milling Process

In the present investigation, an examination was conducted on the hydrogen storage performance of industrial waste grade AZ31 magnesium alloy when combined with either Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene. This study aims to understand the enhancement of hydrogen storage properties reinforced with polymer materials, such as Graphene or Carbon Nanotubes. The experimental samples, composed of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy combined with either Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene, were crafted through gravity casting. Thereafter, a high-energy ball milling process was employed to further refine the hydrogen storage material powders. The micrographic structures of all the sample powders were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, the average particle size distributions of the sample powders were quantified for comprehensive characterization. The absorbed and desorbed hydrogen capacity and kinetics was calculated by a Sievert's type apparatus. Overall, the performance of the sample powder AZ31-0.1G showed the highest absorption and desorption at a rate of 0.0036 wt%/s and 0.0084 wt%/s. Moreover, the hydrogen capacity of AZ31-0.1G reached the highest value at 5.32 wt%. The acquired data unveils that with the adding of either Graphene or Carbon Nanotubes as additives significantly improved the hydrogen storage capacity of AZ31 magnesium alloy

Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites and Their Applications

Magnesium is one of the lightest structural metals have the capability to replace the conventional alloys for mass saving applications and provides higher strength and stiffness. Additionally, it also has the ability to absorb the hydrogen in the form of hydrides and can be used as a future source of energy carrier. The theoretical hydrogen capacity of 7.6 wt% makes it more suitable for future energy sources but needs to reduce the working sorption temperature. Moreover, magnesium is the primary source of the body and has strength equal to the bone, making it more suitable for biomedical applications and higher biocompatibility. Some challenges of magnesium-based metal matrix composites are still encountering structural applications, hydrogen energy storage, and biomedical applications due to manufacturing methodologies and proper materials selection to get required results

Enhancing Hydrogen Storage in AZ31 Alloy through Pd/G Composite

In this research, we investigated the catalytic effects of Palladium/Graphene(Pd/G) on AZ31 alloy for hydrogen storage. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were employed to confirm the homogeneous distribution of AZ31 and observe phase changes after mechanical alloying with the catalysts. The hydrogen storage properties of AZ31 with catalysts were systematically examined, and the time of maximum reaction rate for nucleation was determined using Avarami Plot. The results of the study show that the incorporation of 2% Pd/G resulted in the fastest hydrogen absorption and desorption time, taking 200 seconds to achieve 90% hydrogen storage with a maximum of 6.04 wt%. The corresponding maximum hydrogen desorption occurred in 694 seconds, reaching 6.03 wt%. Consequently, the introduction of 2% Pd/G catalyst proved to be effective in significantly enhancing the hydrogen ab/desorption rates of AZ31 alloy