Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Hydrides and Their Application

Solid-state metal hydrides provide a safe and efficient method for hydrogen storage. In this chapter, fundamental mechanism of metal–hydrogen interaction, the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of hydride formation and the factors affecting them are provided. Metal hydrides are formed by dissociative chemisorption of hydrogen on metals at definite temperature and pressure. A brief description of volumetric and gravimetric set-up required for gas phase hydrogen absorption measurement is presented. Loading of hydrogen on metal can also be realized electrochemically by splitting of water, which is the main concept of metal hydride battery. Representative preparation techniques of different systems such as intermetallic hydrides, light metal hydrides and complex hydrides are illustrated. The techniques employed for characterization of metal hydrides are discussed. Current researches on various applications of metal hydrides are also discussed.