Tuning Mg(OH) Structural, Physical, and Morphological Characteristics for Its Optimal Behavior in a Thermochemical Heat-Storage Application.

Thermochemical materials (TCM) are among the most promising systems to store high energy density for long-term energy storage. To be eligible as candidates, the materials have to fit many criteria such as complete reversibility of the reaction and cycling stability, high availability of the material at low cost, environmentally friendliness, and non-toxicity. Among the most promising TCM, the Mg(OH)/MgO system appears worthy of attention for its properties in line with those required.

Synthesis of Me Doped Mg(OH)₂ Materials for Thermochemical Heat Storage.

In order to investigate the influence of metal (Me) doping in Mg(OH)₂ synthesis on its thermochemical behavior, Ca, Co and Ni ions were inserted in Mg(OH)₂ matrix and the resulting materials were investigated for structural, morphological and thermochemical characterization. The densification of the material accompanied by the loss in porosity significantly influenced the hydration process, diminishing the conversion percentage and the kinetics. On the other hand, it increased the volumetric stored/released heat capacity (between 400 and 725 MJ/m³), reaching almost three times the un-doped Mg(OH)₂ value.