Decomposition behavior of Ti-doped NaAlH4 studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the titanium K-edge

The local bonding environment of Ti3+-dopant atoms in NaAlH4 after decomposition to release H-2 has been studied using x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). The titanium K-edge spectra from doped hydride samples and the standard materials TiCl3 and TiO2 were collected in ambient atmosphere at the synchrotron source at the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD). Titanium valence states present in the spectra collected from Ti-doped NaAlH4 after decomposition in air are Ti3+ and Ti4+. The Ti3+ is attributed to unreacted TiCl3. The Ti4+ present in the sample is attributed to TiO2 occurring after air oxidation. Coupled with studies of the kinetics of hydrogen desorption reactions, examination of dopant ion valence states after entry into the lattice may lead to better understanding of the interrelationship between lattice doping and desorption kinetics.