A study on hydrogen storage and electrochemical properties of La0.55Pr0.05Nd0.15Mg0.25Ni3.5 (Co0.5Al0.5)x (x=0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) alloys

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.