Hydrogenation of Zr3Al2 in hydrogen and ammonia

We have identified conditions for the formation of Zr₃Al₂-based intermetallic hydrides through reactions with hydrogen and ammonia at temperatures from 150 to 300°C. The use of ammonia is shown to reduce the onset temperature for the formation of a hydride phase by 100°C compared to hydrogenation with hydrogen. Increasing the ammonia-Zr₃Al₂ reaction temperature to 500°C in the presence of NH₄Cl as an activator leads to the decomposition of the intermetallic compound and the formation of finely dispersed zirconium hydride and zirconium nitride powders.