Hydrogen sorption properties of compounds based on BCC Ti1 − xV1 − yCr1 + x + y alloys

Among the hydrogen storage materials, BCC structure type materials such as V-based alloys reveal promising characteristics due to there reactivity with hydrogen at ambient temperature. A systematic XRD study was performed in order to obtain a cell parameter-composition map in the BCC domain and attempt a correlation with the sorption properties. However, activation of this type of materials may not be straightforward. The aim of this study was to co-melt a main BCC phase with a minor metallic one acting as activating phase. The synthesis of co-melted materials with a specific microstructure starting from Ti1 − xV1 − yCr1 + x + y (x ⩽ 0.4, y ⩽ 0.3) and Zr7Ni10 alloys was successfully realized. The hydrogen decrepitation of the compound was studied in correlation with its microstructure. Pressure-composition-isotherms were recorded, the absorption and desorption isotherms measured as a function of time (sorption kinetics measurements) show reversible hydrogen uptake up to 2 wt.%.

► Composites based on Ti–Cr–V BCC-type alloys with the addition of a minor fraction of Zr7Ni10 was successfully realized. ► The resulting material exhibits a specific microstructure and displays excellent sorption kinetics. ► The specific composition Ti0.5V1.9Cr0.6 was found to be suitable for practical applications.