Effect of rapid solidification treatment on structure and electrochemical performance of low-Co AB5-type hydrogen storage alloy

The effect of rapid solidification on structure and electrochemical performance of the LaNi4.5Co0.25Al0.25 hydrogen storage alloy was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and a simulated battery test, including maximum capacity, cycling stability, self-discharge, and high-rate discharge ability (HRD). All the melt-spun alloys were single-phase with the CaCu5-type structure (space group P6/mmm). In comparison to the as-cast alloy, the rapidly quenched alloys manifested an improved homogeneity of composition and expanded lattice parameters. The electrochemical measurements showed that the activation property, cycling stability and self-discharge of the alloy electrodes were also improved for the rapid solidified alloys. The HRD of the as-cast alloy was better than those of all the rapidly solidified alloys. As the quenching rate increased, the HRD and exchange current density first decreased and then increased.

Cycling stability of LaNi4.5Co0.25Al0.25 alloy with different quenching ratesFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide