Early transition metal-based intermetallic compounds, such as ZrV2, ZrMn2, and ZrCr2, can
reversibly absorb large amounts of hydrogen and are of great interest for hydrogen storage. The
dissociative hydrogen chemisorption can proceed easily on the surface, allowing the rapid formation
of intermetallic hydrides. In this study, we present the results of initial NH3 activity tests conducted
on various Zr-based AB2-type intermetallic compounds, free of precious transition metals and rare
earth metals. A dissociative hydrogen chemisorption together with nitrogen storage proceeds on
AB2-type Laves phase intermetallic compounds accompanied by a lattice expansion. The formed
intermetallic nitride hydride ZrCr2N0.4H1.4 exhibits stable catalytic activity as an ammonia synthesis
catalyst.
