Electrohydrogenation of MgH2-thin films

Mg-metal hydride systems are potential hydrogen storage media and might be used in hydrogen switchable mirrors. However, absorption kinetics are too slow even with appropriate catalysts. The authors demonstrate the enhancement of the formation of Mg H2 by an electric current, thus enabling the hydrogenation of Mg without an external heat source. The effect is explained by the local heating of the Mg together with an electromigration of H- ions. The electrically supported hydrogen uptake might also be a possibility to enhance the hydrogen uptake rate of complex hydrides due to a similar electronic structure. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.