The La 0.5Pr0.2Zr0.1Mg0.2Ni2.75Co0.45Fe0.1Al0.2(M1) and Zr0.65Ti0.35(Mn0.2V0.2Cr0.15Ni0.45) 1.76(M2) hydrogen storage alloys were prepared by inductive melting.In addition,the M1+30 wt.%M2 composites were successively prepared by using high-energy ball milling technology.From the X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis,it was found that M1 and M2 alloys still retained their respective main phases in the M1+30 wt.%M2 composites.The scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS) indicated that the decrease in discharge capacity of M1 and M2 alloy electrodes was ascribed to the oxidation-dissolution of La,Pr,Mg and Ti,Mn,V,Cr active elements,respectively.The electrochemical studies showed that the M1+30 wt.%M 2 composite electrode ball milling for 5 min exhibited excellence cyclic stability(92.3%) after 80 charge/discharge cycles,which was higher than 77.7 % and 85.6% of M1 and M2 alloy electrodes,respectively.Moreover,at the discharge current density of 1200 mA/g,the high rate discharge ability(HRD) of the M1+30 wt.%M2 composite electrode increased from 61.5%(5 min) to 70.3%(10 min).According to the linear polarization,Tafel polarization and cyclic voltammograms(CV),the electrochemical kinetics of hydrogen reaction on the surface of the electrode and hydrogen diffusion rate in the bulk of alloy were also improved in the M1+30 wt.%M2 composite with increasing ball milling time.
The La0.55Pr0.05Nd0.15Mg0.25Ni3.5(Co0.5Al0.5)x(x=0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) alloys were prepared by magnetic levitation melting under an Ar atmosphere, and the effects of Co and Al on the hydrogen storage and electrochemical properties were systematically investigated by pressure composition isotherms, cyclic voltammetry, Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy testing. The results showed that the alloy phases were mainly consisted of (La,Pr)(Ni,Co)5, LaMg2Ni9, (La,Nd)2Ni7 and LaNi3 phases, and the cell volumes of (La,Pr)(Ni,Co)5, LaMg2Ni9, (La,Nd)2Ni7 and LaNi3 phases expanded with Co and Al element added. The hydrogen storage capacity initially increased from 1.36 (x=0) to 1.47 wt.% (x=0.3) and then decreased to 1.22 wt.% (x=0.5). The discharge capacity retention and cycle stability of the alloy electrodes were improved with the increase of Co and Al contents. The La0.55Pr0.05Nd0.15Mg0.25Ni3.5(Co0.5Al0.5)0.3 alloy electrode possessed better electrochemical kinetic characteristic.
