Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Magnesium-Based Materials for Hydrogen Storage Applications
Abstract
Hydrogen is a promising alternative energy carrier that can potentially facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to sources of clean energy because of its prominent advantages such as high energy density, great variety of potential sources (for example water, biomass, organic matter), light weight and low environmental impact (water is the sole combustion product). Here, we report the synthesis of magnesium-polymer nanocomposites that represent a compelling platform for hydrogen storage applications. The magnesium nanocomposites were prepared by thermolysis of an organo-metallic precursor embedded in a soluble organic polymer chosen for its hydrogen gas selectivity. The use of a polymer matrix represent an important key for the development of air-stable Mg-nanocrystals. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to investigate the chemical state of the magnesium nanoparticles and qualify the interaction between PMMA molecules and magnesium atoms during the formation of Mg-capped PMMA clusters. The main peak for Mg is located at 49.5eV, suggesting that the magnesium clusters are in a metallic chemical state rather than oxidized. The magnesium nanocomposites morphology was studied by using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and was found that magnesium nanocrystals have an average diameter of ca. 20 nm.