ActiveSurfaceH2 (Mechanochemical activation of surfaces for solid state hydrogen storage)

Hydrogen is a key issue for renewable energies. The solid state storage of hydrogen in the form of metallic hydrides offers numerous advantages, including safety, in comparison with cryogenic liquid and compressed gas possibilities.

Before reaching a steady state reversible storage / de-storage under "reasonable" temperature and pressure conditions, a first step of "activation" is required.

An effective way to activate metals is by refining the size of the microstructure via severe plastic deformation. Such "bulk" deformation is necessarily restricted to small parts.

The aim of this project is to study the activation process of bulk metals (Mg and Ti) via the treatment of their surfaces by combining mechanical and chemical actions.