METHODS OF FORMING NANO-STRUCTURED MATERIALS INCLUDING COMPOUNDS CAPABLE OF STORING AND RELEASING HYDROGEN

摘要

Methods of forming materials that contain hydrogen storage materials and nano-structured matrices are described. In one embodiment, the hydrogen storage material is a complex hydride. In another embodiment, the method includes melting at least one compound capable of storing and releasing hydrogen, obtaining an aluminum-containing nano-structured matrix having a melting point higher than the temperature of the at least one compound, and contacting the molten at least one compound with the nano-structured matrix to facilitate the coating of the nano-structured material with the molten at least one compound. The matrix may undergo mechanical working to further modify the nano-structure. In yet another embodiment, the method includes forming a powder including a gas-atomized aluminum-containing powder, and pressing or sintering the powder to form a matrix, such that the matrix has nano-meter scale pores.