Hydrogen storage alloys with PuNi3-Type structure as metal hydride electrodes

A powder sintering method was used to synthesize the intermetallic compounds LaCaMgNi9, CaTiMgNi9, LaCaMgNi6Al3, and LaCaMgNi6Mn3 (PuNi3-type). The microstructure and primary phases were observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The pressure-composition isotherms showed that all alloys could reversibly absorb and desorb up to 1.8 wt % hydrogen at 20 degrees C and a hydrogen pressure of 3.3 MPa. The sintered samples were employed as the active materials of metal hydride electrodes. The hydride stability and electrochemical performance, combined with low cost raw materials, make these compounds attractive for metal hydride electrodes. (C) 2000 The Electrochemical Society. S1099-0062(00)01-068-3. All rights reserved.