2004, 33(7):696-700.
Abstract:
The effects of the Ce content on the structure, thermodynamics, electrochemical properties and kinetic performance of the AB5-type hydrogen storage alloys La0.8(1-x)Ce0.8x(PrNd)0.2B5 have been systematically studied. The results show that, the Ce content dependence of the alloy structure is negligible, though the cell parameters a, c and the cell volume change linearly with Ce content. With the increase of the Ce content, the equilibrium pressure for hydrogen absorbing-desorbing of the alloys increases, the hysteresis gets smaller, and the thermodynamic stability of alloy hydride becomes poorer. The Ce content has a little effect on the electrochemical activation property of the alloys, its increase could raise the charge-discharge voltage plateau of the alloys, could improve the high-rate discharge ability and power characteristics of the alloys, while the discharge capacity at low discharge current is decreased. The increase of the Ce content is beneficial to improving kinetic performance of the alloys, it could decrease charge transfer resistance of the electrode reaction and make it more reversible. Hydrogen in the alloys diffuses faster with the increase of the Ce content.