Effects of electroless nickel on H2, CO, CH4 absorption properties of Zr–V–Fe powder

• The Ni-coated Zr–V–Fe powder were obtained through electroless plating methods.
• The microstructure and composition of powder were analysed through XRD, SEM and EDS.
• Inoxidizability of Ni-coated Zr–V–Fe powder was researched.
• Hydrogen sorption properties of Ni-coated Zr–V–Fe powder were improved.
• The activation energy for hydrogen dissociation was reduced by the Ni layer.

Nickel coated Zr–V–Fe non-evaporable getter (NEG) powders were prepared using electroless plating. The microstructure and composition of the Ni-coated Zr–V–Fe powder were analysed through XRD, SEM and EDS. The H2, CO, CH4 absorption performance of Ni-coated Zr–V–Fe powders was analysed by dynamic method after an activation at 160 °C for 2 h. Ni-coated Zr–V–Fe powder and as-prepared powder was baked in air at 100 °C for 24 h to investigate the anti-oxidation mechanism of the nickel layer. Experimental results indicated that Ni exists as crystalline phase. The Ni coating played an important role as a catalyst which favoured the dissociation of hydrogen on surface. H2, CO, CH4 absorption properties kinetics of Ni-coated Zr–V–Fe powder was improved in comparison with as-prepared powder, and a higher absorption speed at the activation temperature of 160 °C was exhibited from the Ni-coated NEGs. Anti-oxidation property of Zr–V–Fe getter materials in air had been improved by Ni coating used as the protective layer.