Structural and desorption characterisations of milled powder mixtures for hydrogen storage

( MgH 2 + Y , Ce ) mixtures were processed by mechanical milling in an attempt to improve the hydrogen sorption properties of MgH 2 . The structural evolution and hydrogen desorption properties were investigated by a range of experimental techniques. XRD analysis shows the formation of a stable hydride phase, CeH 2.35 or YH 3 , in the relevant mixture during milling. Hydrogen desorption of the milled mixtures was characterised by coupled thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Milled ( MgH 2 + Ce ) samples show higher desorption kinetics than the ( MgH 2 + Y ) . The formation of CeO 2 in the ( MgH 2 + Ce ) mixture benefits the desorption kinetics, likely due to the formation of surface defects on MgH 2 and surface catalysis by the oxide.