Hydrogen storage in binary and ternary Mg-based alloys : A comprehensive experimental study Kalisvaart Mg-Al-Fe, the properties are clearly worse compared to the other ternary combinations.These differences are explained by considering the properties of all the different phases present during cycling in terms of their hydrogen affinity and catalytic activity. Based on these considerations, some general design principles for Mg-based hydrogen storage alloys are suggested.

We studied the hydrogen absorption and desorption properties of thin Pd-covered Mg1−xAlx alloy films as a function of temperature and alloy composition. Using neutron reflectometry, we were able to determine the hydrogen content and the hydrogen distribution within these MgAl films in situ. For all films, hydrogen was uniformly dispersed within the MgAl film and no hydrogen was observable in the Pd cover layer. The Mg0.7Al0.3 film shows an appreciable 4.1wt% stored hydrogen and improved desorption characteristics with complete desorption at a temperature of 448K.