6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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DFT Study of Hydrogen Diffusion in Graphene-Reinforced NbMoTaW Alloy

8 Jul 2026, 12:20
20m
Lecture Hall DL3 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall DL3

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track F - Applied Physics Applied Physics

Speaker

Damuleli Thivhafuni Edgar (University Of Venda)

Description

Fast hydrogen movement with low trapping is important for energy materials. In this study, a graphene-reinforced NbMoTaW alloy was studied using DFT in Materials Studio (CASTEP). Hydrogen sites and energies were calculated in the alloy and near the graphene interface. In the bulk alloy, hydrogen occupies different sites due to the complex structure, leading to some trapping. Near graphene, hydrogen finds easier pathways, significantly enhancing its mobility and efficiency.

Diffusion barriers were also calculated and found to be lower near the graphene interface, showing faster hydrogen transport. Electronic results (DOS) show a strong interaction between hydrogen and metal atoms, but this interaction weakens near graphene, reducing trapping. This study shows that graphene accelerates hydrogen diffusion in the alloy and reduces trapping, making this material promising for hydrogen applications.

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Presentation materials