Effet of hematite (Fe2O3) from natural iron ore as a catalyst in MgH2 as hydrogen storage materials

Abstract

Abstract The main obstacle that hinders the application of fuel cell fuels for vehicles today is the hydrogen storage tube. Therefore, this paper will report the results of a study on MgH2-based hydrogen storage materials with Fe2O3 catalyst inserted (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15wt%) and prepared by mechanical alloying technique for 10 hours. Fe2O3 samples were obtained from the Lhoong Setia Mining site in Jantang Village, Lhoong, Aceh Besar. The initial sample separation process was carried out manually using a bar magnet. Furthermore, hematite extraction was carried out with the addition of 1M HCL and NaOH each. Then the milling process of MgH2-Fe2O3 samples was carried out using a planetary ball mill. The results of the X-ray diffraction test showed that the MgH2 phase was the most dominant/mainstream phase. Thermal testing with DSC showed that the H2 desorption process experienced a decrease in temperature from 194.56 °C with a milling time variation of 7 hours.