Crystallographic and electrochemical characteristics of Ti–Zr–Ni–Pd quasicrystalline alloys

Ti45Zr35Ni20−xPdx (x = 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7, at%) alloys were prepared by melt-spinning. The phase structure and electrochemical hydrogen storage performances of melt-spun alloys were investigated. The melt-spun alloys were icosahedral quasicrystalline phase, and the quasi-lattice constant increased with increasing x value. The maximum discharge capacity of alloy electrodes increased from 79 mAh/g (x = 0) to 148 mAh/g (x = 7). High-rate dischargeability and cycling stability were also enhanced with the increase of Pd content. The improvement in the electrochemical hydrogen storage characteristics may be ascribed to better electrochemical activity and oxidation resistance of Pd than that of Ni.