Promising electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of thick Mg–Pd films obtained by insertion of thin Ti interlayers

Abstract

In this paper, the structures of 500 nm thick Mg–Pd films were tailored by insertion of 1 nm thin Ti interlayers, and their electrochemical hydrogen storage properties were investigated. Results showed that thin Ti interlayers in the Mg bulk film could significantly improve the discharge properties of thick Mg–Pd films. The Mg100–Ti1 sample exhibited the most promising electrochemical properties, including a shorter activation period, larger discharge capacity, superior cyclic stability and high rate discharge capability, due to the creation of numerous interfaces and nucleation sites, reduction of the hydrogen diffusion path, and synergetic catalytic effects of Pd and Ti layers.