PDF measurements of novel Reactive Hydride Composites, under varying conditions

The present proposal aims at understanding the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation pathways within reactive hydride composites (RHCs), particularly the Mg(NH2)2-LiH-LiBH4 system. Despite the individual components of this system not releasing H2 until temperatures above 580K, when combined this H2 release is lowered to below 373K, enabling ambient temperature operation. Our preliminary studies have shown structural changes occurring through H2 dehydrogenation, with novel X-ray amorphous phases appearing. Hence our need for PDF measurements. Here we aim at studying the interaction of H2 with varying ratios of the Mg(NH2)2-LiH-LiBH4 system, to provide a clear view of the mechanisms of (de)hydrogenation by means of in-situ capillary PDF analysis. This work would provide a clearer view into the structure of the X-ray amorphous phases present, enhancing our understanding of the reactions occurring in such systems, to inform the development of next generation RHCs.