Effect of oxygen on the hydrogenation properties of magnesium films

The effect of magnesium oxide on the magnesium and hydrogen desorption properties of magnesium films have been investigated. We find that by capping metallic magnesium films with oxide overlayers the apparent desorption energy of magnesium is increased from 146 kJ/mol to 314 kJ/mol. The results are discussed in light of previous investigations of ball-milled magnesium powders.