Crystal structure of GdNi3 with superlattice alloy and its hydrogen absorption–desorption property

We synthesized the intermetallic compound GdNi3, which has a PuNi3-type structure (space group R-3m), and investigated its P–C isotherm. The refined lattice parameters were a = 0.4993(1) nm and c = 2.4536(4) nm. In the first absorption process, two plateaus were observed, and the maximum hydrogen capacity reached 1.07 H/M. In the first desorption process, a narrow and sloping plateau was observed at approximately 0.02 MPa. After the first full desorption, 0.6 H/M of hydrogen remained in the sample. This sample showed severe peak broadening in the XRD pattern, indicating that the metal sublattice deformed from the original alloy. No plateau region was observed in the second absorption–desorption cycle.

► In the first absorption process, two plateaus were observed and the maximum hydrogen capacity reached 1.07 H/M. ► In the first desorption process, narrow and sloping plateau was observed at approximately 0.02 MPa. ► After the first full desorption, 0.6 H/M of hydrogen remained in the sample. ► The hydrogen absorption–desorption property is irreversible.