Mg-based materials are considered to be a type of solid-state hydrogen storage material with good application prospects due to their high hydrogen storage capacity. However

deficiencies in hydrogen storage kinetics and thermodynamics limit the pace of their application. Studies have shown that rare earth (RE) elements or compounds have a very significant effect on improving the hydrogen storage performance of Mg-based materials. This article reviews the research progress on the effect of rare earths on improving the hydrogen storage performance of Mg-based materials and their mechanism of action. Firstly

the effects of a series of rare earth metals

rare earth hydrides

rare earth oxides

rare earth halides

rare earth composite catalysts

etc.

on the hydrogen storage capacity

hydrogen storage kinetics

hydrogen storage thermodynamics

and hydrogen storage cycle performance of Mg-based materials were summarized. Secondly

the mechanism of rare earth additives affecting the hydrogen absorption and hydrogen desorption process of Mg-based materials was explored

focusing on the crystal structure

micromorphology

chemical valence evolution rules of the rare earth additives

and their impact on the hydrogen storage performance of Mg-based materials. Finally

we also summarized the research progress and existing problems in this field

and looked forward to future research trends.