Neutron reflectometry study of hydrogen desorption in destabilized MgAl alloy thin films

Abstract

We studied the hydrogen absorption and desorption properties of thin Pd-covered Mg1−xAlx alloy films as a function of temperature and alloy composition. Using neutron reflectometry, we were able to determine the hydrogen content and the hydrogen distribution within these MgAl films in situ. For all films, hydrogen was uniformly dispersed within the MgAl film and no hydrogen was observable in the Pd cover layer. The Mg0.7Al0.3 film shows an appreciable 4.1wt% stored hydrogen and improved desorption characteristics with complete desorption at a temperature of 448K.