Structure and surface layers of Mg-C nanocomposites produced by ball milling

X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), Auger electron spectrometry (AES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the structure and surface layers properties of nanocomposites produced by the mechanical activation (ball milling) of elemental magnesium with carbon materials (amorphous carbon and graphite). Amorphous carbon was synthesized by electric discharge treatment in kerosene. It was shown that ball milling, the allotropic form of carbon materials, and features of hydrogenation have a considerable effect on the structure, surface layer properties, and hydrogen adsorption of a formed composition. XPS and Auger spectroscopy revealed the surface layer of the composite particles to be enriched with carbon. In addition, there were oxide layers on their surfaces due to the particles’ interaction with the environment.