Gas atomization of Cu-modified AB5 metal hydride alloys

Gas atomization together with a hydrogen annealing process has been proposed as a method to achieve improved low-temperature performance of AB5 alloy electrodes in Ni/MH batteries and restore the original cycle life which was sacrificed by the incorporation of copper in the alloy formula. While the gas atomization process reduces the lattice constant aspect ratio c/a of the Cu-containing alloys, the addition of a hydrogen annealing step recovers this property, although it is still inferior to the conventionally prepared annealed Cu-free alloy. This observation correlates very well with the cycle life performance. In addition to extending the cycle life of the Cu-containing metal hydride electrode, processing by gas atomization with additional hydrogen annealing improves high-rate, low-temperature, and charge retention performances for both Cu-free and Cu-containing AB5 alloys. The degradation mechanisms of alloys made by different processes through cycling are also discussed.

Research highlights
► The gas atomization process together with a hydrogen annealing process was demonstrated on AB5 alloys.
► The method was found to be effective in restoring the original cycle life sacrificed by the incorporation of copper in the alloy formula as a means of improving the low temperature performance of AB5 alloys.
► The new process also improves high rate, low temperature, and charge retention performances for both Cu-free and Cu-containing AB5 alloys.