Optimizing hydrogen storage in magnesium hydride using carbon-based catalysts

The utilization of fossil fuels, including coal, crude oil, and natural gas, has long been recognized as a significant contributor to environmental degradation, primarily due to their non-renewable nature and harmful emissions. The transition to renewable energy sources becomes imperative, and energy storage technologies are of paramount importance. In this context, hydrogen as chemical energy storage emerges represent a promising solution, offering both sustainability and environmental friendliness. However, the practical storage of hydrogen presents several challenges, primarily due to its light weight and gaseous nature. Among various storage methods, magnesium hydride (MgH2) has gained considerable attention due to its high hydrogen storage capacity, reversible uptake and release, and potential for safe handling and transportation. Nevertheless, magnesium hydride face inherent drawbacks, including low sorption and desorption kinetics, high hydrogen release temperatures, and the formation of undesirable gases during cycling. To overcome these challenges, various strategies have been proposed, with catalytic enhancement showing significant promise. Carbon-based materials and carbon-based composite materials have emerged as effective catalysts in improving the kinetics and efficiency of hydrogen storage in magnesium hydride. In this paper, that is a review of the existing literature, the role of these carbon-based catalysts in enhancing the performance of magnesium hydride for hydrogen storage will be explored, focusing on recent advancements and potential solutions to overcome existing limitations.