Tuning metal hydride thermodynamics via size and composition: Li-H, Mg-H, Al-H, and Mg-Al-H nanoclusters for hydrogen storage.

Nanoscale Li and intermetallic Al-Mg metal hydride clusters are investigated as a possible hydrogen storage material using the high-level quantum Monte Carlo computational method. Lower level methods such as density functional theory are qualitatively, not quantitatively accurate for the calculation of the enthalpy of absorption of H(2). At sizes around 1 nm, it is predicted that Al/Mg alloyed nanoparticles are stable relative to the pure compositions and the metal composition can be tuned in tandem with the size to tune the hydrogen absorption energy, making this a promising route to a rechargeable hydrogen storage material.