BetaMgH2

Beta magnesium hydride (beta-MgH2) is a crystalline form of magnesium hydride. It is one of the several known polymorphs of magnesium hydride, the others being alpha and gamma. Beta-MgH2 typically crystallizes in the rutile structure (P42/mnm space group). It is synthesized under specific conditions, often involving high pressures and temperatures, or through chemical reduction methods. This phase is generally considered more stable than the alpha phase at ambient conditions.

The properties of beta-MgH2 are of interest in various fields, particularly in hydrogen storage research. Magnesium hydrides, in general, have a high gravimetric hydrogen density, making them attractive for mobile applications. However, their practical use has been hindered by slow hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics and the high temperatures required for hydrogen release. Research efforts focus on improving these properties through nanostructuring, doping, and the formation of composites. Beta-MgH2's structural characteristics and thermodynamic stability influence its hydrogen storage performance. Understanding the phase transformations between different MgH2 polymorphs, including the transition from beta to alpha, is crucial for optimizing hydrogen cycling.