Influence of Cu addition on structure and hydrogen desorption characteristics of Ti0.16Zr0.05Cr0.22V0.57 alloy

Hydrogen storage characteristics of Cu-substituted (Ti0.16Zr0.05Cr0.22V0.57)1−xCux (x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.10) alloy compositions were investigated. Alloy compositions were prepared by arc-melting in a water-cooled Cu mould in argon atmosphere. Phase analysis was carried out using Rietveld refinement. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results show these alloys retain the parent BCC structure. It was observed that with increasing Cu content, the lattice parameter decreases. Increase in hydrogen desorption plateau pressure and shortening of the plateau region was observed for Cu-substituted alloys. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) show residual hydrogen in the Cu-substituted alloys released at lower temperatures.