Advancement in Magnesium Based Alloys for Hydrogen Storage: A Review

The growing global demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions, driven by the expanding population and developing economies, has highlighted the need to address the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Hydrogen-based fuels have emerged as a promising alternative, offering a pathway to achieving energy sustainability. However, the efficient storage of hydrogen remains a significant challenge in the development of hydrogen-based energy systems. Magnesium alloys have garnered attention as a potential solution due to their high volumetric hydrogen storage capacity, making them particularly suitable for onboard hydrogen storage in applications such as transportation. This review provides an in-depth analysis of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials, focusing on their fundamental properties, hydrogenation and dehydrogenation mechanisms, and the latest advancements in the field. Magnesium hydride (MgH2) is highlighted as a key material, known for its high hydrogen content and excellent energy density, although it faces challenges such as slow hydrogenation rates and high temperature and pressure requirements for effective hydrogen absorption. To address these issues, innovative approaches such as Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) are explored. SPD techniques, which refine the grain structure of magnesium alloys to the nanoscale, have demonstrated the ability to accelerate hydrogenation and dehydrogenation kinetics, improving the overall efficiency of magnesium-based hydrogen storage systems. This review examines the potential of magnesium hydrides in overcoming current limitations and discusses strategies for enhancing their performance. By focusing on material development, surface modification, and new processing techniques, the review underscores the importance of magnesium alloys in advancing hydrogen storage technologies.