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SUMMARY
Kononiuk O. P. Hydrogen absorption-desorption and hydrolysis properties of
new Mg–IMC and Mg–IMC–C hydride composites. – Qualifying scientific work on
manuscript rights.
Dissertation for obtaining the scientific degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the
field of knowledge “13 – Mechanical Engineering” in the specialty “132 – Materials
Science”. – Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the National Academy of Sci-
ences of Ukraine, Lviv, 2024.
Hydrogen has emerged as a frontrunner among potential clean energy sources.
It has a high heat of combustion (~140 MJ/kg) and the absence of harmful emissions
during combustion. However, its low density in its gaseous state under normal condi-
tions poses a significant challenge for storage. Conventional hydrogen storage meth-
ods include compression into high-pressure tanks (150-700 atm) or liquefaction at
extremely low temperatures. Metal hydrides, such as magnesium hydride (MgH ),
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offer a promising alternative to traditional storage methods. Magnesium hydride
boasts several advantages: high hydrogen capacity (7,6 wt.%), cost-effectiveness and
reversibility of the sorption-desorption process.
However, its practical application is hindered by two major challenges: slow
sorption-desorption kinetics and high operating temperature requirement (around 350
°C). To address these challenges, researchers have explored various approaches, in-
cluding the use of catalytic additives and mechanical processing. Catalysts can lower
the energy needed for hydrogen sorption-desorption and improve hydrogen diffusion
into the matrix. High-energy ball milling creates a much dispersed microstructure
with a high concentration of defects within the material, which significantly increases
the speed of hydrogen sorption-desorption processes and lowers the required temper-
ature.
The most common method for obtaining hydrogen from metal hydrides is by
heating the metal hydride. Another method involves the hydrolysis of metal hydrides,
which is a fast, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient process. Therefore,
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