The hydrogen storage properties of MgH2–Fe7S8 composites

Nanostructured Fe7S8 was successfully synthesized and its catalytic effect on hydrogen absorption/desorption performance of MgH2 is systemically discussed. The MgH2 + 16.7 wt% Fe7S8 composite prepared by ball-milling method offers a striking catalytic activity for hydrogenation kinetics, and also reduces the initial decomposition temperature for MgH2. The composite of MgH2–Fe7S8 can absorb 4.000 wt% of hydrogen within 1800 s at 473 K, which is about twice that of pristine MgH2 (1.847 wt%) under the same conditions. The onset hydrogen release temperature of Fe7S8-modified MgH2 is 420 K, which is 290 K lower than that of additive-free MgH2 (710 K). Meanwhile, the doped sample could release 4.403 wt% of hydrogen within 1800 s at 623 K as compared to 2.479 wt% of hydrogen by MgH2. The activation energy for MgH2–Fe7S8 is about 130.0 kJ mol−1, approximately 36 kJ mol−1 lower than that of MgH2. The hydriding process of MgH2 + 16.7 wt% Fe7S8 follows the nucleation and growth mechanism. The prominent hydrogen storage performances are related to the reactions between MgH2 and Fe7S8. The newly formed MgS and Fe in the ball-milling process present a co-catalytic effect on the hydrogen storage performance of MgH2.