| Abstract [eng] |
Metal hydrides are one of the most promising and widely studied methods for hydrogen storage. Metal hydrides attract the large interest of scientists because of high safety standards and high hydrogen gravimetric densities. However, the synthesis of metal hydrides poses certain challenges to the thermodynamic and sorption kinetic properties of related metal hydrides. Therefore, it is necessary to search for optimal ways to improve these properties. This project focuses on the investigation of the magnesium-nickel alloy powder surface activation under hydrogen plasma treatment and its influence on the hydrogen absorption kinetics. Performed plasma activation technical parameters are: 172 W plasma power, 7 cm working distance from the sample to the magnetron, 0.6 mbar working pressure of hydrogen gas, process duration 1–3 h. In this work, the hydrogenation kinetics of the initial and plasma modified powder were investigated using a Sievert-type apparatus. The elemental composition of the surface and chemical bonds analysis was performed by an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Changes in surface energy were assessed by measuring the water contact angle. Morphological studies were performed using a scanning electron microscope. Structure changes of the magnesium-nickel alloy powder after the plasma treatment and hydrogenation measurements were analysed by an X-ray diffractometer. The depth of plasma modification was estimated theoretically. In the final thesis, it is observed that the activated powder has higher surface energy and better hydrogenation kinetics properties. |
