Conversion of CH4 and Hydrogen Storage via Reactions with MgH2-12Ni

Abstract

The main key to the future transition to a hydrogen economy society is the development of hydrogen production and storage methods. Hydrogen energy is the energy produced via the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water as a by-product. Hydrogen energy is considered one of the potential substitutes to overcome the growing global energy demand and global warming. A new study on CH4 conversion into hydrogen and hydrogen storage was performed using a magnesium-based alloy. MgH2-12Ni (with the composition of 88 wt% MgH2 + 12 wt% Ni) was prepared in a planetary ball mill by milling in a hydrogen atmosphere (reaction-involved milling). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed on samples after reaction-involved milling and after reactions with CH4. The variation of adsorbed or desorbed gas over time was measured using a Sieverts’-type high-pressure apparatus. The microstructure of the powders was observed using a scanning transmission microscope (STEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The synthesized samples were also characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The XRD pattern of MgH2-12Ni after the reaction with CH4 (12 bar pressure) at 773 K and decomposition under 1.0 bar at 773 K exhibited MgH2 and Mg2NiH4 phases. This shows that CH4 conversion took place, the hydrogen produced after CH4 conversion was then adsorbed onto the particles, and hydrides were formed during cooling to room temperature. Ni and Mg2Ni formed during heating to 773 K are believed to cause catalytic effects in CH4 conversion. The remaining CH4 after conversion is pumped out at room temperature.