Electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of MgNi-NiP composite material

In order to improve the cycle stability of MgNi alloy, the composites MgNi-x wt%NiP (x = 5, 10, 15) were synthesized by ball milling the MgNi alloy with NiP alloy. The microstructure and electrochemical properties of the composites were investigated. Based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, the composites had better amorphous structures than pure-MgNi. Electrochemical studies showed that the cycle stability of the composite electrodes was improved due to the enhancement of the anti-corrosion property in the alkaline electrolyte. The MgNi-10 wt%NiP electrode performed the best. At the discharge current density Id 500 mA g−1, the HRD increased from 37.2% to 54.4% (x = 10). Moreover, according to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the charge-transfer resistance decreased, indicating that the electrochemical kinetics of the composite electrodes was improved.