Kinetics of dehydrogenation of MgH2 and AlH3

Kinetics of dehydrogenation was studied using isothermal barometry, TDS and SEM methods. Two stages of the decomposition process are considered: incubation preceding the formation of metallic nuclei on the surface of the particle and hydrogen evolution via these metallic regions serving as facilitating channels for desorption. Duration of the first stage depends on the temperature of the sample. Relationship with material's electronic band structure is discussed. Kinetics of the second stage is controlled by two reactions: desorption of the hydrogen molecules from the surface and shift of the metal-hydride interphase in the bulk. Physical mechanisms of decomposition with detailed reaction kinetics are proposed and kinetic parameters are evaluated. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.