Electrochemical performance studies on cobalt and nickel electroplated La–Mg–Ni-based hydrogen storage alloys

A novel electroplating treatment was applied onto La–Mg–Ni-based La0.88Mg0.12Ni2.95Mn0.10Co0.55Al0.10 alloy powders. The effect of cobalt or nickel metallic coating on morphological and electrochemical properties was studied. FESEM results showed that a dense layer of spherical cobalt particles with uniform radius and an undulate layer of lamellar nickel formed on the surface of the Co- and Ni-coated alloys, respectively. These coatings enhanced the conductivity and the catalytic activity, besides acting as a protective layer, thereby improving the electrochemical properties. The maximum discharge capacity increased from original 316 mAh/g to 335 mAh/g on Co-coated alloys and 336 mAh/g on Ni-coated ones, the cycling stability was enhanced and the self-discharge was suppressed. The high rate dischargeability (HRD) was ameliorated remarkably, and the HRD value at 1500 mA/g rose by 10% and 17%, for cobalt- and nickel-coated alloy electrodes respectively, which is believed to be ascribed to the improved kinetics from the metallic coatings on the surface.