Controlled nuclear fusion promises to provide our society with a limitless source of clean and dense energy. The efficient controlled delivery of isotope fuels is a key part of this technology. The ZrCo alloy is considered as the only safe and low-cost alternative to uranium for hydrogen isotope storage, yet it still suffers from poor kinetics and severe disproportionation. Herein, we report a novel method to prepare a submicrometer-sized porous ZrCo alloy combining glycine-nitrate combustion process, molding, and magnesiothermic reduction. The microstructure, phase composition, and hydrogen/hydrogen isotope storage properties are systematically evaluated. The as-synthesized porous ZrCo exhibits high purity and crystallinity, with a hydrogen storage capacity approaching the theoretical limit. The porosity, average pore diameter, and specific surface area of the ZrCo alloy decreased with increasing the compression pressure. Benefiting from the small size effect and high specific surface area, the porous ZrCo shows fast kinetics (activation within 1 min and room temperature hydrogenation within 15 s) and high antidisproportionation property (61 wt % for 10 h in 500 °C). Thermodynamic properties and cycling stability are also improved. Moreover, porous ZrCo exhibits excellent hydrogen isotope storage properties. This work establishes a generalizable methodology for fabricating high-performance porous hydrogen storage alloys, potentially advancing the application of ZrCo alloys in controlled fusion research.
Keywords: ZrCo alloy; controlled nuclear fusion; hydrogen isotope storage; hydrogen storage; porous structure.