Researchers Abhishek Banerjee, Stefano Deledda, and Olena Zavorotynska from the University of Edinburgh have been investigating ways to improve hydrogen storage materials, with their latest findings published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
Hydrogen storage is a critical component for the energy sector, particularly for applications like fuel cells and other clean energy technologies. TiFe alloys are promising materials for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their high volumetric capacities and ability to absorb hydrogen at near ambient temperatures and pressures. However, these alloys require a costly activation procedure to remove oxide surface layers that hinder hydrogen diffusion.
The researchers explored the effects of doping TiFe alloys with niobium (Nb) on their crystal structure and hydrogen sorption properties. They synthesized TiFe samples with two different Nb stoichiometries using arc-melting and characterized them with advanced techniques like synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis.
Their findings revealed that Nb doping improves the activation and kinetics of hydrogen sorption in TiFe alloys without compromising their overall storage capacities. The refinement of the data showed significant Nb occupancy in secondary Ti phases, which enhanced the hydrogenation properties of the alloys. This improvement is crucial for the energy sector as it could lead to more efficient and cost-effective hydrogen storage systems.
The practical applications of this research are significant. By improving the activation and hydrogen sorption kinetics of TiFe alloys, the energy industry could develop more efficient hydrogen storage systems. This could facilitate the wider adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. The insights gained from this study could also guide the design of novel materials for hydrogen storage, further advancing the field.
In summary, the research demonstrates that Nb doping can enhance the performance of TiFe alloys for hydrogen storage, offering a promising avenue for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen storage technologies in the energy sector.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.