A coupled ESRF-EuXFEL proposal: In-situ study of the coupled ultrasonic cavitation and mechanical impact dynamics for manufacturing highly e

We are developing innovative and sustainable techniques to produce low-cost, highly efficient, and safe hydrogen (H2) storage materials. A key research task is to understand the fundamentals of ultrasound-assisted synthesis of metal hydride under atmospheric conditions. We will study and understand the highly dynamic and transient interactions between acoustic cavitation and MgH2 that has huge potential for future solid-state H2 storage and transportation applications. We will use the complementary ultrahigh X-ray imaging capabilities available at ID19 of ESRF and SPB/SFX of EuXFEL to study in operando conditions the sub-μs time scale structural fragmentation dynamics of the MgH2 under the shock waves produced by ultrasonic cavitation implosion and high frequency mechanical fatigue impact. The in-situ collected imaging data will help us to reveal the highly dynamic and multilength scale phenomena during MgH2 structural refinement.