Enhancing the Hydrogen Storage Performance of LaNi5 Metal Hydrides via Cu, Cu/Ag and Ag Coatings with Improved Thermal Conductivity
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the thermal and mass transfer behaviors of the LaNi5 alloy during hydrogen absorption after applying three different surface coatings. To enhance heat transfer within the metal hydride reactor and evaluate its performance, three reactor designs were developed: a reference design, a design incorporating a central heat pipe, and an advanced design equipped with a finned heat pipe to improve heat distribution. LaNi5 powders were ground for one hour using mechanical milling and then coated under controlled conditions to produce copper-coated, Cu/Ag double-layer-coated, and silver-coated samples. The findings demonstrate that a homogeneous and stable Cu/Ag duplex coating can be successfully applied to LaNi5 powders. This offers the potential to enhance heat transfer in hydrogen storage systems by improving the thermal behavior of metal hydrides. The thermal conductivity of uncoated and coated powders was measured experimentally. Experiments confirmed that higher operating pressures resulted in improved hydrogen absorption. Not only did enhanced thermal conductivity accelerate hydrogen absorption, but it also reduced local temperature spikes, promoting a more uniform temperature distribution throughout the reactor. These values were then used in a three-dimensional model to simulate the hydrogen absorption process. This model assessed the storage capacity of hydrogen and the temperature distribution over time at various operating pressures (3, 6, 9, 10, 12, and 15 bar). Using heat pipes and fins significantly enhanced heat transfer within the reactor, resulting in improved overall performance.
Authors: Yakup Daşdemirli, Ulaş Matik, Muhammet Kayfeci
Institution: Karabük University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7130835815