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Title: XRD and NMR investigation of Ti-compound formation in solution-doping of sodium aluminum hydrides : solubility of Ti in NaAlH4 crystals grown in THF.

Journal Article · · Proposed for publication in Journal of Alloys and Compounds.
OSTI ID:964177

Sodium aluminum hydrides have gained attention due to their high hydrogen weight percent (5.5% ideal) compared to interstitial hydrides, and as a model for hydrides with even higher hydrogen weight fraction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the Ti-compounds that are formed under solution-doping techniques, such as wet doping in solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF). Compound formation in Ti-doped sodium aluminum hydrides is investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We present lattice parameter measurements of crushed single crystals, which were exposed to Ti during growth. Rietveld refinements indicate no lattice parameter change and thus no solubility for Ti in NaAlH{sub 4} by this method of exposure. In addition, X-ray diffraction data indicate that no Ti substitutes in NaH, the final decomposition product for the alanate. Reaction products of completely reacted (33.3 at.%-doped) samples that were solvent-mixed or mechanically milled are investigated. Formation of TiAl{sub 3} is observed in mechanically milled materials, but not solution mixed samples, where bonding to THF likely stabilizes Ti-based nano-clusters. The Ti in these clusters is activated by mechanical milling.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
964177
Report Number(s):
SAND2004-4753J; TRN: US200922%%121
Journal Information:
Proposed for publication in Journal of Alloys and Compounds., Journal Name: Proposed for publication in Journal of Alloys and Compounds.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English