What is magnesium hydride?
Imagine being able to store a large amount of hydrogen in a solid, light, and abundant material. Magnesium hydride (MgH₂) is one of the most promising options for achieving this. It is a chemical compound made up of magnesium and hydrogen, with the particularity of being able to release stored hydrogen when it is heated or reacts with certain substances.
Why is MgH₂ so interesting?
Hidruro de Magnesio structure
How hydrogen storage works with MgH₂
MgH₂ acts as a chemical sponge that absorbs molecular hydrogen (H₂) when subjected to high pressures and moderate temperatures. This process, called hydrogenization , can be reversed by heating the material, which releases the hydrogen for use in fuel cells or other processes.
The basic chemical equation:
Mg+I2↔MgH
This chemical balance depends on the pressure and temperature conditions:
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its advantages, MgH₂ presents some challenges:
Improving MgH₂ Performance
Researchers around the world are working to improve the properties of MgH₂ and overcome these challenges. Some of the most promising strategies include:
MgH₂ Applications
MgH₂ has great potential in various applications, including:
MgH₂ could be an alternative to transporting liquid or compressed hydrogen, especially in remote areas or areas with little infrastructure. One kilogram of MgH₂ can store more than 76 grams of hydrogen, which is equivalent to a tank at high pressure but with greater safety.
MgH₂ can be used to bring hydrogen to off-grid areas, where it could power fuel cells to generate electricity and heat cleanly.
In devices such as drones or light vehicles, MgH₂ could offer a compact and efficient solution for storing hydrogen.
The steel and chemical industries, which are large emitters of CO₂, could adopt MgH₂ for food processes with hydrogen instead of fossil fuels.
The Future of MgH₂
Magnesium hydride is presented as a promising technology for hydrogen storage, but there is still a long way to go. As research progresses, we are likely to see significant improvements in MgH₂’s performance, making it a key player in the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
Conclusions
Magnesium hydride is a material with great potential for hydrogen storage. Its advantages in terms of storage density, security, and cost make it an attractive choice for various applications. However, further research is needed to overcome current challenges and optimize its performance.