Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-8bhkd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-11T06:35:19.343Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Nano-Columnar Mg Thin Films Created by Plasma Sputter Deposition for Improved Hydrogen Kinetics and Storage Properties

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

M. W. Zandbergen
Affiliation:
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, NL-2629 JB Delft, The Netherlands
S. W. H. Eijt
Affiliation:
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, NL-2629 JB Delft, The Netherlands
W. J. Legerstee
Affiliation:
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, NL-2629 JB Delft, The Netherlands
H. Schut
Affiliation:
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, NL-2629 JB Delft, The Netherlands
V. L. Svetchnikov
Affiliation:
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, NL-2628 CJ Delft, The Netherlands
Get access

Abstract

The hydrogen storage properties of nanostructured Mg and MgH2 thin films were studied as created by Ar and Ar+H2 plasma sputter deposition. Columnar structures with typical widths of ∼120 nm are observed with their long columnar axis extending throughout the thickness of the films. Applying substrate bias voltages during deposition results in narrower columns. A concomitant reduction in hydrogen desorption temperature from 400 °C to 360 °C is observed. Capping the Mg films with a ∼100 nm thin Pd layer leads to significantly reduced hydrogen desorption temperatures of ∼200 °C induced by the catalytic activity of the Pd cap layer. Also, hydrogen permeation of the films is strongly improved. The rate-determining factor is found to be the dissociation of the hydrogen molecules. Optimum hydrogen loading conditions of the Pd/Mg films were obtained just above ∼200 °C at hydrogen pressures of 0.25–1.0 MPa, resulting in hydrogen storage capacities in the range of 4–7 wt%.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Huot, J., Nanocrystalline Materials for Hydrogen Storage, in Nanoclusters and Nanocrystals, Nalwa, H.S. (Editor), (American Scientific Publicers, Stevenson Ranch, CA, 2003), Chapter 2, 5385.Google Scholar
2. Zaluska, A., Zaluska, L., Strom-Olsen, J.O., Appl. Phys. A 72 (2001) 157165.Google Scholar
3. Schlapbach, L., Züttel, A., Nature 414 (2001) 353358.Google Scholar
4. Zaluska, A., Zaluska, L., Strom-Olsen, J.O., J. Alloy Comp. 288 (1999) 217225.Google Scholar
5. Higuchi, K., Yamamoto, K., Kajioka, H., Toiyama, K., Honda, M., Orimo, S., Fujii, H., J. Alloy Comp. 330–332 (2002) 526530.Google Scholar
6. Higuchi, K, Kajioka, H., Toiyama, K., Fujii, H., Orimo, S., Kikuchi, Y., J. Alloy Comp. 293–295 (1999) 484489.Google Scholar
7. Zandbergen, M.W., MSc. Thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2004.Google Scholar