Hydrogen storage material based on LaNi5 alloy produced by mechanical alloying

The electrochemical characteristics of the La0.8Ce0.2Ni2.5Co1.8Mn0.4Al0.3 compound, produced by mechanical alloying, are investigated for hydrogen storage in nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries by discharging tests at constant current and by calculating equilibrium pressure of hydrogen from the equilibrium potentials. It is shown that the alloy produced by mechanical alloying, followed by annealing and activation exhibits high specific capacity at the stable potential plateau, even at the high discharge rate (10 mA cm−2), and low hydrogen equilibrium pressure. The alloy of such composition gives low capacity loss during cycling, which enables its application for metal hydride battery production.