Structural and electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of Mg2Ni-based alloys

Four different methods, i.e. hydriding combustion synthesis + mechanical milling (HCS + MM), induction melting (followed by hydriding) + mechanical milling (IM(Hyd) + MM), combustion synthesis + mechanical milling (CS + MM) and induction melting + mechanical milling (IM + MM), were used to prepare Mg₂Ni-based hydrogen storage alloys used as the negative electrode material in a nickel-metal hydride (Ni/MH) battery. The structural and electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of the Mg₂Ni-based alloys have been investigated systematically. The XRD results indicate that the as-milled products show nanocrystalline or amorphous-like structures. Electrochemical measurements show that the as-milled hydrides exhibit higher discharge capacity and better electrochemical kinetic property than the as-milled alloys. Among the four different methods, the HCS + MM product possesses the highest discharge capacity (578 mAh g⁻¹), the best high rate dischargeability (HRD) and the highest exchange current density (58.8 mA g⁻¹). It is suggested that the novel method of HCS + MM is promising to prepare Mg-based hydrogen storage electrode alloy with high discharge capacity and activity.