Microstructures and electrochemical characteristics of La0.7Ce0.3Ni4.2Mn0.9−xCu0.37(V0.81Fe0.19)x hydrogen storage alloys

► Commercial V0.81Fe0.19 is cheaper than pure V, and has lower melt point than pure V. ► Alloys containing V0.81Fe0.19 consist of LaNi5 matrix phase and V-Mn-Ni secondary phase. ► Activation property is improved by increasing V0.81Fe0.19 content. ► Maximum discharge capacity changes a little with increasing x value. ► The alloy with x = 0.10 exhibits the best HRD.