Supported metal NPs on magnesium using SCFs for hydrogen storage: Interface and interphase characterization

Mixing catalyst NPs with magnesium was proved to be an efficient way to improve the sorption kinetics of hydrogen. Recently, as an alternative to conventional ball milling process, we have reported the interest of using the supercritical fluid chemical deposition process to deposit catalyst metal NPs on the surface of Mg crystals in order to improve significantly the material cyclability for hydrogen storage. Through a detailed characterization of the obtained composite nanostructured materials (SEM, XPS, HRTEM), we demonstrate hereafter the creation of a chemical link, through the formation of metallic interphases between the supported metal catalyst NPs and the magnesium particles, explaining potentially the improvements previously reported. Additionally, this work opens new routes towards the development of more complex materials, with a possible control of the interface between the supported NPs and their support, opening interesting perspectives, for instance in the field of catalysis. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.