P Paul Vermeulen

Mg-Ti-H thin films for smart solar collectors

Mg–Ti–H thin films are found to have very attractive optical properties: they absorb 87% of the solar radiation in the hydrogenated state and only 32% in the metallic state. Furthermore, in the absorbing state Mg–Ti–H has a low emissivity; at 400K only 10% of blackbody radiation is emitted. The transition between both optical states is fast, robust, and reversible. The sum of these properties highlights the applicability of such materials as switchable smart coatings in solar collectors.

Effect of the deposition technique on the metallurgy and hydrogen storage characteristics of metastable MgyTi(1-y) thin films

MgyTi1�y alloys with 0.50 y 1.00 were prepared by electron beam deposition and magnetron co-sputter deposition. The effects of the deposition technique are discussed in two ways; the metallurgy of the as-deposited films and the hydrogen storage characteristics. In spite of the fact that for both preparation methods similar unit cell dimensions are found, the broader X-ray diffraction peaks of e-beam deposited alloys indicate a relatively small grain size. Electrochemical characterization of the compounds upon dehydrogenation shows that the deposition method does not significantly influence the hydrogen capacity and kinetics. Moreover, essentially the same cycle-life behavior is found for both types of alloys.

Modeling of electrochemical hydrogen storage in metal hydride electrodes

Nowadays, modern civilization faces the hazardous global warming, which is a result of consumption of traditional fossil fuels. To decrease CO2 emission, sharp improvements in energy generation technologies are required. Modern society urgently needs more sustainable energy. It is commonly accepted that electricity storage systems are the key element of energy efficient technologies, and hydrogen is considered as one of the most important future energy carriers. High energy density rechargeable nickel metal hydride NiMH batteries, which are based on the principles of electrochemical hydrogen storage, play an important role in modern industrial, automotive, and portable electronics sectors. These batteries are relatively cheap, ecologically friendly, and have advantages over other types of batteries especially in transportation and automotive applications. To control the operation of hybrid electrical vehicles HEVs nowadays and plug-in electrical vehicles PEVs in the future, a new effective generation of battery management systems BMSs is required. 1-5