Guo Jiacheng;Yang Xinyu;Tang Weineng;

• 1:Baosteel Metal Co.
• 2: Ltd.

Abstract：

Magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials represent a pivotal class of candidates for advancing next-generation hydrogen energy systems,distinguished by their ultra-high theoretical hydrogen storage capacity(≥7%),abundant natural reserves,low cost,and favorable reversible hydrogen absorption/desorption thermodynamics.These advantages have established magnesium alloys as frontrunners in solid-state hydrogen storage research,with the goal of delivering safe,efficient,and economical energy storage for both stationary and mobile applications.However,despite decades of investigation,their widespread industrial adoption remains hampered by three persistent challenges:compositional segregation during large-scale melting,severe oxidation in conventional powder processing,and significant safety risks associated with the high flammability of fine magnesium powders.To overcome these barriers,this study introduced an integrated,scalable,and industry-ready manufacturing route for Mg-Ni-Y alloys: "large-scale protected melting-precision nitrogenatmosphere cutting-compact".This three-stage strategy was designed to concurrently achieve high hydrogen storage performance,excellent compositional uniformity,and industrial scalability,effectively bypassing the limitations inherent in powder-based approaches.In the first stage,Mg-Ni-Y alloy ingots were produced in 200 kg batches using an induction melting furnace under an argon protective atmosphere.This setup effectively minimized high-temperature oxidation,yielding dense and oxidation-free ingots.The compositional uniformity was rigorously assessed via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES).Elemental analysis across different sections(left,middle,right) of the ingot showed minimal deviations(≤0.5%) in Mg,Ni,and Y content,confirming high homogeneity and providing a reliable foundation for subsequent processing and consistent performance.In the second stage,the bulk ingots were processed into thin sheets by precision cutting in a continuous nitrogen atmosphere.This protective environment prevented surface oxidation,effectively addressing a key bottleneck of traditional powder methods.Thin sheets with thicknesses of 0.1,0.2 and 0.5 mm were successfully fabricated.Among these,0.1 mm sheets demonstrated the most balanced hydrogen storage properties,combining high capacity with robust oxidation resistance,underscoring the critical role of precise dimensional control in tuning material performance.In the final stage,the thin sheets were compacted into pressed compacts via cold pressing under optimized conditions.This bulk form significantly reduced specific surface area compared to powders,mitigating safety hazards and simplifying handling and transportation.Hydrogen storage performance was evaluated at 350℃.0.1 mm sheets achieved a maximum hydrogen storage capacity of 5.7%,comparable to 6.0% typically reported for fine Mg-Ni-Y powders(～180 μm),while entirely avoiding the safety concerns of powdered materials.The cold-pressed compacts delivered an initial capacity of 5.4%,and after 100 full absorption-desorption cycles,retained a capacity of 5.13%,corresponding to a remarkably low-capacity degradation rate of only 5%.This outstanding cyclic stability highlighted the structural integrity and long-term reliability of the materials produced via this integrated route.The findings presented herein marked a significant breakthrough in reconciling the historical trade-off between high hydrogen storage performance and largescale manufacturability in magnesium-based systems.By uniting protected melting,atmosphere-controlled cutting,and cold pressing,this method enabled the scalable production of Mg-Ni-Y sheets and compacts that exhibit high capacity,exceptional cycling stability,and enhanced safety.In conclusion,the proposed integrated manufacturing strategy successfully resolved the long-standing issues of segregation,oxidation,and safety that had impeded the commercialization of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials.It set a new precedent for uniting scientific advancement with practical engineering,providing a crucial step toward the realization of safe,efficient,and high-capacity hydrogen storage systems essential for a sustainable global hydrogen economy.

Key Words： Mg-Ni-Y hydrogen storage alloy;hydrogen storage performance;thin sheets;pressed compacts

Abstract:

Keywords:

Foundation: 国家重点研发计划项目（2023YFB3809102）;; 宝武集团重点研发项目（R25BGJS010-J）资助

Authors: Guo Jiacheng;Yang Xinyu;Tang Weineng;

DOI: 10.13373/j.cnki.cjrm.XY25080013

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