Reversible solid‐state hydrogen storage in metal hydrides is a key technology for pollution‐free energy conversion systems. Herein, the LiBH2–MgH2 composite system with and without ScCl3 additive is investigated using synchrotron‐ and neutron‐radiation‐based probing methods that can be applied to characterize such lightweight metal–hydrogen systems from nanoscopic levels up to macroscopic scale. Combining the results of neutron‐ and photon‐based methods allows a complementary insight into reaction paths and mechanisms, complex interactions between the hydride matrix and additive, hydrogen distribution, material transport, structural changes, and phase separation in the hydride matrix. The gained knowledge is of great importance for development and optimization of such novel metal‐hydride‐based hydrogen storage systems with respect to future applications.
To enhance the dehydrogenation/rehydrogenation kinetic behavior of the LiBH4-MgH2 composite system, TiF4 is used as an additive. The effect of this additive on the hydride composite system has been studied by means of laboratory and advanced synchrotron techniques. Investigations on the synthesis and mechanism upon hydrogen interaction show that the addition of TiF4 to the LiBH4-MgH2 composite system during the milling procedure leads to the in situ formation of well-distributed nanosized TiB2 particles. These TiB2 nanoparticles act as nucleation agents for the formation of MgB2 upon dehydrogenation process of the hydride composite system. The effect of TiB2 nanoparticles is maintained upon cycling.