Application of Nanocrystalline LaNi5-type Hydrogen Absorbing Alloys in Ni-MHx Batteries
摘要
The structure and electrochemical properties of nanocrystalline LaNi5-type alloys were studied. These materials were prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) followed by annealing. The properties of hydrogen host materials can be modified substantially by alloying to obtain the desired storage characteristics. It was found that the partial substitution of Ni by Al or Mn in LaNi5-xMx alloy leads to an increase in discharge capacity. The alloying elements such as Al, Mn and Co greatly improved the cycle life of LaNi5 material. For example, in the nanocrystalline LaNi3.75Mn0.75Al0.25Co0.25 powder, discharge capacity up to 258 mAh·g-1 was measured (at 40 mA·g-1 discharge current). Furthermore,the effect of the graphite coating on the structure of some nanocrystalline alloys and the electrodes characteristics were investigated. The mechanical coating with graphite effectively reduced the degradation rate of the studied electrode materials. The combination of a nanocrystalline LaNi5-type hydride electrodes and a nickel positive electrode to form a Ni-MH battery, was successful.