Nanoporous Mg–Zn materials for efficient and controllable in-situ hydrogen generation.

Mg is a research focus in the field of in-situ hydrogen generation due to its high activity, abundant reserves and mature circulation mode. However, the passivation issue of Mg bulks and the explosion risk of Mg powders hinder its practical application. In this work, we propose a novel nanoporous Mg-based material, whose nanoscale pores significantly reduce the passivation, and the self-supporting characteristic ensures its safe application. By co-depositing Mg–Zn and adjusting their ratios, three kinds of nanoporous Mg–Zn materials with different morphology and composition are obtained, that is, granular nanoporous (GNP) Mg–Zn, coral-like nanoporous (CNP) Mg–Zn and lotus root-like nanoporous (LNP) Mg–Zn materials. The GNP Mg–Zn material shows the best hydrogen generation performance among the three nanoporous Mg–Zn materials, and realizes an efficient and controllable hydrogen generation. The formation mechanism, the morphology evolution and the hydrogen generation mechanism of the nanoporous Mg–Zn materials are discussed in detail. [Display omitted] • Three nanoporous Mg–Zn materials have been prepared by co-depositing Mg and Zn. • Nanoporous structure and the Zn addition enhance the hydrogen generation property. • The formation mechanism of the nanoporous Mg–Zn material has been revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]