Hydrogen storage characteristics of melt spun Mg–23.5Ni–5Cu alloys mixed with LaNi5 and/or Nb2O5

Mg-based materials have a high potential for commercialization due to the large hydrogen storage capacity, low cost and abundance in the Earth's crust. Despite these advantages, reaction kinetics of Mg with hydrogen is slow. Various investigations to increase the hydriding kinetics of Mg were performed. Although LaNi5 has a low hydrogen storage capacity, it can store hydrogen at a low temperature. In this study, a Mg–23.5Ni–5Cu alloy was prepared by gravity casting method in a large quantity (approximately 7.5 kg), and then melt-spun and heat-treated. LaNi5, Nb2O5 or LaNi5 + Nb2O5 were added to the Mg–23.5Ni–5Cu alloy by reactive mechanical grinding in a planetary mill. The hydrogen storage capacity and hydriding behavior of the Mg–23.5Ni–5Cu alloys with LaNi5, Nb2O5 or LaNi5 + Nb2O5 added were then investigated.