A study on the hydrogen-storage properties of La2−xTixMgNi9 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) alloys

The La_2−xTi_xMgNi₉ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) alloys were prepared by magnetic levitation melting under Ar atmosphere. The effects of partial substitution Ti for La on the phase structures, hydrogen-storage properties and electrochemical characteristics of the alloys were investigated systematically. For La_2−xTi_xMgNi₉ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) alloys, LaNi₅, LaNi₃ and LaMg₂Ni₉ are the main phases, the maximum hydrogen-storage capacity is 1.51, 1.36, 1.35 and 1.22 wt%, respectively. The absorption–desorption plateau pressure of the alloys first decreases and then increases with increase of Ti content, and the La_1.8MgTi_0.2Ni₉ alloy has the lowest absorption–desorption plateau pressure. The discharge voltage of the alloy electrodes rises with increasing the amount of Ti content. The La_1.8Ti_0.2MgNi₉ alloy electrode presents good electrochemical performance.     

Formation mechanism,phase structure and electrochemical properties of the La–Mg–Ni-based multiphase alloys by powder sintering LaNi5 and LaMgNi4

Starting from two precursors LaNi₅ and LaMgNi₄, four alloys with different phase structures were prepared by powder sintering technique. The results suggest that LaNi₅ phase can consecutively react with LaMgNi₄ phase generating (La,Mg)Ni₃ and (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phases, and the mole ratio of precursors LaNi₅/LaMgNi₄ (x) affects the phase structures of alloys significantly. XRD and Rietveld refinement results demonstrate that the alloys mainly consist of (La,Mg)Ni₃ and (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phases (x = 0.28 and 0.59) or (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ and LaNi₅ phases (x = 0.87 and 1.47). When x increases from 0.28 to 0.59, the main phase becomes (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase with Ce₂Ni₇- and Gd₂Co₇-type from PuNi₃-type (La,Mg)Ni₃ phase. As x rises from 0.59 to 0.87, the secondary phase (La,Mg)Ni₃ disappears with CaCu₅-type LaNi₅ phase emerging. When x grows from 0.87 to 1.47, the content of LaNi₅ phase increases from 17.88 to 60.72 wt.% with (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase content declining. The alloy with (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ as the main phase and (La,Mg)Ni₃ as the secondary phase is conducive to cyclic stability and the alloy with (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ as the main phase and LaNi₅ as the secondary phase is beneficial to the high-rate dischargeability.     

Electrochemical performances of the as-melt La0.75−xMxMg0.25Ni3.2Co0.2Al0.1 (M = Pr,Zr; x = 0, 0.2) alloys applied to Ni/metal hydride (MH) battery

The partial replacement of La by M (M = Pr, Zr) has been performed in order to ameliorate the electrochemical hydrogen storage performances of La–Mg–Ni-based A₂B₇-type electrode alloys. For this purpose, we adopt melt spinning technology to prepare the La_0.75−xM_xMg_0.25Ni_3.2Co_0.2Al_0.1 (M = Pr, Zr; x = 0, 0.2) electrode alloys. Then systemically investigate the effects that the preparation methods and M (M = Pr, Zr) substitution have on the structures and electrochemical hydrogen storage characteristics of the alloys. The analysis of XRD and TEM reveals that the as-cast and spun alloys hold a multiphase structure, containing two main phases (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ and LaNi₅ as well as a trace of residual phase LaNi₂. Besides, the as-spun (M = Pr) alloy displays an entire crystalline structure, while an amorphous-like structure is detected in the as-spun (M = Zr) alloy, implying the replacement of La by Zr facilitates forming amorphous phase. Based upon electrochemical measurements, an impact engendered by melt spinning on the electrochemical performances of the alloys appears to be evident. The cycle stabilities monotonously augment with the growing of the spinning rate. The discharge capacity and high rate discharge ability (HRD), however, exhibit difference. For the (M = Pr) alloy, they first mount up and then fall with the rising of the spinning rate, whereas for the (M = Zr) alloy, they always decline as the spinning rate elevates. Furthermore, the replacement of La by M (M = Pr, Zr) considerably enhances the cycle stability of the alloys and the replacement of La by Pr clearly increases the discharge capacity, but the Zr replacement results in an adverse impact.     

Structural characteristics and hydrogen storage properties of Ca3.0−xMgxNi9 (x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) alloys

The effect of Mg content on the structural characteristics and hydrogen storage properties of the Ca_3.0−xMg_xNi₉ (x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) alloys was investigated. The lattice parameters and unit cell volume of the PuNi₃-type (Ca, Mg)Ni₃ main phase decreased with increasing Mg content. The 6c site of PuNi₃-type structure was occupied by both Ca and Mg atoms. Moreover, the occupation factor of Ca on the 6c site decreased with the increase of Mg content. The hydrogen absorption capacity of the alloys decreased due to higher Mg content. However, the thermodynamic properties of hydrogen absorption and desorption were improved and the plateau pressures were increased. When x = 1.5–2.0, the Ca_3.0−xMg_xNi₉ alloys had favorable enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) of hydride formation.     

Microstructure and electrochemical hydrogen storage characteristics of (La0.7Mg0.3)1−xCexNi2.8Co0.5 (x = 0-0.20) electrode alloys

The microstructure and electrochemical hydrogen storage characteristics of (La_0.7Mg_0.3)_1−xCe_xNi_2.8Co_0.5 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) alloys have been investigated. The results show that all alloys consist of (La, Mg)Ni₃ and LaNi₅ phases. The cyclic stability (S₁₀₀) of the alloy electrodes increases from 58.7% (x = 0) to 69.8% (x = 0.20) after 100 charge/discharge cycles. The high rate dischargeability (HRD) increases from 66.8% (x = 0) to 69.6% (x = 0.10), then decreases to 65.1% (x = 0.20) at the discharge current density of 1200 mA/g. Moreover, the electrochemical kinetic characteristics of the alloy electrodes are also improved by increasing Ce content.     

The structure and high-temperature (333 K) electrochemical performance of La0.8−xCexMg0.2Ni3.5 (x = 0.00–0.20) hydrogen storage alloys

The microstructures and electrochemical properties of La_0.8−xCe_xMg_0.2Ni_3.5 (x = 0.00–0.20) hydrogen storage alloys are investigated systematically. XRD and Rietveld analyses indicate that all these alloys mainly consist of two phases: (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ phase with the hexagonal Ce₂Ni₇-type structure and LaNi₅ phase with the hexagonal CaCu₅-type structure. The lattice parameters of the component phases gradually decreased with increasing Ce content. It is concluded that, compared to that of room temperature (298 K), the deterioration in capacity is due to the enhanced corrosion of electrode active material and self-discharge at 333 K. The electrode corrosion was alleviated effectively with the increasing x, whereas the high-temperature dischargeability decreases from 92.7% (x = 0.00) to 80.5% (x = 0.20) accordingly. As the discharge current density is 1000 mA g⁻¹, the high-rate dischargeability (HRD) increases from 77.2% (x = 0.00) to 89.7% (x = 0.10) and then decreases to 73.5% (x = 0.20).     

The morphology and electrochemical properties of La1-xMgxNi3.4Al0.1 (x = 0.1–0.4) hydrogen storage alloys

In view of the importance of Mg in R-Mg-Ni-type alloys (R generally represents rare earth elements), the effect of Mg on the morphology and electrochemical performance of the as-cast La_1-xMg_xNi_3.4Al_0.1 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) hydrogen storage alloys were studied in this work. The samples possess multiphase structures, including Gd₂Co₇-, Ce₂Ni₇-, Pr₅Co₁₉-and CaCu₅-type, PuNi₃-and MgCu₄Sn-type phases. It is found that reasonably increasing Mg contents can promote the formation of Gd₂Co₇-and Ce₂Ni₇-type phase as well as Mg contents have important effects on phase morphology. Furthermore, fine-dispersed LaNi₅ structure in (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ matrix is beneficial to facilitate the hydrogen diffusion and exert the electrochemical properties for the alloys.The EIS results indicate that the charge transfer resistance decreases nonlinearly with increase of (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ phase content and presents approximately linear relationship with LaNi₅ phase content. When x equals to 0.2, the alloy displays more optimal comprehensive electrochemical properties, i.e. the discharge capacity reaches 357.4 mA/g, the high rate dischargeability at 1200 mA/g 60.1% and the cycling performance 74.5%.     

Effect of substituting Mn for Ni on the hydrogen storage and electrochemical properties of ReNi2.6−xMnxCo0.9 alloys

ReNi_2.6−xMn_xCo_0.9 (x = 0.0, 0.225, 0.45, 0.675, 0.90) alloys were prepared by induction melting. The effects of partially substituting Mn for Ni on the phase structure and electrochemical properties of the alloys were investigated systematically. In the alloys, (La, Ce)₂Ni₇ phase with a Ce₂Ni₇-type structure, (Pr, Ce)Co₃ phase with a PuNi₃-type structure, and (La, Pr)Ni₅ phase with a CaCu₅-type structure were the main phases. The (La,Pr)Ni phase appeared when x increased to 0.45, and the (La, Pr)Ni₅ phase disappeared with further increasing x (x > 0.45). The hydrogen-storage capacity of the ReNi_2.6−xMn_xCo_0.9 (x = 0.0, 0.225, 0.45, 0.675, 0.90) alloys initially increased and reached a maximum when Mn content was x = 0.45, and then decreased with further increasing Mn content. The ReNi_2.6−xMn_xCo_0.9 (x = 0.0, 0.225, 0.45, 0.675, 0.90) alloy exhibited a hydrogen-storage capacity of 0.81, 0.98, 1.04, 0.83 and 0.53 wt.%, respectively. Electrochemical studies showed that the maximum discharge capacity of the alloy electrodes initially increased from 205 mAh/g (x = 0.0) to 352 mAh/g (x = 0.45) and then decreased to 307 mAh/g (x = 90). The hydrogen absorption rate first increased and then decreased with addition of Mn element. The ReNi_2.15Mn_0.45Co_0.9 alloy showed faster hydrogen absorption kinetics than that of the other alloys. The presence of Mn element slowed hydrogen desorption kinetics.     

Microstructure and electrochemical hydrogen storage characteristics of La0.67Mg0.33−xCaxNi2.75Co0.25 (x = 0-0.15) electrode alloys

The microstructure and electrochemical hydrogen storage characteristics of La_0.67Mg_0.33−xCa_xNi_2.75Co_0.25 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) alloys are investigated. The results show that all alloys mainly consist of (La, Mg)Ni₃ and LaNi₅ phases, besides a small amount of (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ phase. The cycle stability (S₈₀) after 80 charge/discharge cycles of all alloy electrodes first increases from 60.1% (x = 0) to 64.2% (x = 0.05), then decreases to 45.9% (x = 0.15). The high rate dischargeability of all alloy electrodes first increases from 52.6% (x = 0) to 61.4% (x = 0.10), then decreases to 57.2% (x = 0.15). Moreover, the charge-transfer resistance (R_ct) first decreases from 168.2 mΩ (x = 0) to 125.7 mΩ (x = 0.10), then increases to 136.6 mΩ (x = 0.15). All the results indicate that the substitution of Mg with a certain amount of Ca can improve the overall electrochemical characteristics.     

Effect of La-content on the hydrogenation properties of the Ce1−xLaxNi3Cr2 (x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) alloys

The effect of partial substitution of Ce by La in CeNi₃Cr₂ hydrogen storage alloy has been systematically investigated. All intermetallic compounds Ce_1-xLa_xNi₃Cr₂ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) synthesized by arc melting method are well characterized by the means of XRD and SEM. XRD results show that all the alloys are crystallized as a single-phase compound in the hexagonal CaCu₅ type structure. The substitution of Ce by La leads to increase the unit cell volume of the alloy. Hydrogen storage capacity has been investigated in the temperature and pressure range of 293 K ≤ T ≤ 323 K and 0.5 ≤ P ≤ 45 bar respectively using pressure-composition isotherm. The P-C isotherm curves show that the plateau pressure of the hydrogen absorption decreases and hydrogen storage capacity increases with increasing La content in the alloy. The enthalpy (?H) and entropy (?S) of dissolved hydrogen for all systems has been calculated using Van’t Hoff plot. The variation of ?H and ?S with hydrogen content has also been studied which confirm the phase boundaries.     

Structures and electrochemical hydrogen storage behaviours of La0.75−xPrxMg0.25Ni3.2Co0.2Al0.1 (x = 0–0.4) alloys prepared by melt spinning

In order to improve the electrochemical performance of the La–Mg–Ni system A₂B₇-type electrode alloys, La in the alloy was partially substituted by Pr and melt spinning technology was used for preparing La_0.75−xPr_xMg_0.25Ni_3.2Co_0.2Al_0.1 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) electrode alloys. The microstructures and electrochemical performance of the as-cast and spun alloys were investigated in detail. The results obtained by XRD, SEM and TEM show that the as-cast and spun alloys have a multiphase structure which consists of two main phases (La, Mg)Ni₃ and LaNi₅ as well as a residual phase LaNi₂. The substitution of Pr for La leads to an obvious increase of the (La, Mg)Ni₃ phase and a decrease of the LaNi₅ phase in the alloys. The results of the electrochemical measurement indicate that the discharge capacity of the alloys first increases and then decreases with variation of the Pr content. The cycle stability of the alloy monotonically rises with increasing Pr content. When the Pr content rises from 0 to 0.4, the discharge capacity increases from 389.4 (x = 0) to 392.4 (x = 0.1) and then drops to 383.7 mAh/g (x = 0.4) for the as-cast alloy. Discharge capacity increases from 393.5 (x = 0) to 397.9 (x = 0.1), and then declines to 382.5 mAh/g for the as-spun (5 m/s) alloys. The capacity remaining after 100 cycles increases from 65.32 to 79.36% for the as-cast alloy, and from 73.97 to 93.08% for the as-spun (20 m/s) alloy.     

Structural investigation and hydrogen storage properties of Ca3-xLaxMg2Ni13 alloys

The phase structures and hydrogen storage properties of the Ca_3-xLa_xMg₂Ni₁₃ alloys were investigated. It was found that the La substitution is unfavorable for the formation of the Ca₃Mg₂Ni₁₃-type phase. The La-substituted alloys consist of multiple phases. Increasing La content to x = 2.25 leads to a disappearance of Ca₃Mg₂Ni₁₃-type phase. Among these alloys, the Ca_1.5La_1.5Mg₂Ni₁₃ alloy has highest equilibrium pressures of hydrogen absorption–desorption and a highest hydrogen desorption capacity of 1.34 wt.% at 318 K. The discharge capacity decreases for La-substituted alloys. However, the cycling capacity retention rate (S₃₀) increases from 13.7 to 67.6% when x increases from 0 to 3.     

Structure and electrochemical properties of (La1−xDyx)0.8Mg0.2Ni3.4Al0.1 (x = 0.0–0.20) hydrogen storage alloys

The structure and electrochemical characteristics of (La_1−xDy_x)_0.8Mg_0.2Ni_3.4Al_0.1 (x = 0–0.20) hydrogen storage alloys have been investigated. Dysprosium was adopted as a partial substitution element for lanthanum in order to improve electrochemical properties. The XRD, SEM and EDX results showed that the alloys were composed of (La, Mg)₂Ni₇, LaNi₅ and (La, Mg)Ni₂ phases. The introduction of Dy promoted the formation of (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ phase which possesses high hydrogen storage capacity, and controlling dysprosium content at 0.05 can obtain the maximum (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ phase abundance in the alloys. The maximum discharge capacity was heightened from 382.5 to 390.2 mAh/g, which was ascribed to (La, Mg)₂Ni₇ phase abundance increasing from 54.8% to a maximum (60.5%). Also, the biggest discharge capacity retention remained 82.7% after 100 cycles at discharge current density of 300 mA/g.     

Effect of crystal transformation on electrochemical characteristics of La–Mg–Ni-based alloys with A2B7-type super-stacking structures

La_0.75Mg_0.25Ni_3.5 alloys with hexagonal (2H-) and rhombohedral (3R-) (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase were created by powder metallurgy. Partial crystal transformation of 2H- into 3R-type allotropes was realized by heat treatment and introducing LaNi₅ compound. It was found that the alloy annealed within 1073–1223 K kept (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase and obvious crystal transformation of 2H- into 3R-type occurred as annealing temperature reached 1223 K. Electrochemical study showed similar discharge capacity and degradation behavior for La_0.75Mg_0.25Ni_3.5 alloys with different amounts of 2H- and 3R-type allotropes while HRD was promoted by increasing 3R-type phase abundance. Introducing LaNi₅ into La_0.75Mg_0.25Ni_3.5 alloy increased 3R- to 2H-type phase ratio and led to an additional plateau in P–C isotherms. LaNi₅ introduction improved HRD, however it accelerated cycling degradation. Rietveld analysis indicated that after hydrogenation, the cell expansion of 2H- and 3R-type (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase was similar while the cell expansion of LaNi₅ phase was smaller than that of (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase. This caused discrete cell expansion between (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ and LaNi₅ phases, leading to severe pulverization and oxidation.     

Solid solubility of Mg in Ca2Ni7 and hydrogen storage properties of (Ca2−xMgx)Ni7 alloys

The phase relations and hydrogen storage properties of the (Ca_2−xMg_x)Ni₇ alloys were investigated. It was found that the maximum solid solubility of Mg in the (Ca,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase is about x = 0.5 in the present study. The ‘inter-block-layer’ type stacking faults exist in the (Ca,Mg)₂Ni₇ phase when Mg content is very low. However, the density of stacking faults decreases and the lattice parameters reduce as Mg content increases to its maximum solid solubility. Thus the (Ca_1.5Mg_0.5)Ni₇ alloy has a good reversibility of hydrogen absorption–desorption.     

Effect of substituting Al for Co on the hydrogen-storage performance of La0.7Mg0.3Ni2.6AlxCo0.5−x (x = 0.0–0.3) alloys

La_0.7Mg_0.3Ni_2.6Al_xCo_0.5−x (x = 0.0–0.3) alloys were prepared by induction melting, and the effects of partially substituting Al for Co on the structure and hydrogen-storage properties of the alloys were investigated systematically. It is found that La(Ni, Co, Al)₅ phase with hexagonal CaCu₅-type structure, LaNi₃ phase with PuNi₃ structure and MgNi₂ phase exist as the main phases in La_0.7Mg_0.3Ni_2.6Al_xCo_0.5−x (x = 0.0–0.3) alloys, and the cell volume of the La(Ni, Co, Al)₅ phase increases with the amount of Al added. The results show that the substitution of Al for Co can reduce the plateau pressure and the hysteresis between hydrogen absorption and desorption, and improve the hydrogen-absorption capacity and thermal stability of the hydride. Moreover, the addition of Al can delay the oxidation of the surface layer of the alloy electrodes in electrolyte, slow down the capacity degradation and prolong the cycling lifetime, and enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the hydrogen-storage electrodes for hydrogen oxidation.     

Structural characterization and electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of Mg2Ni1−xMnx(x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375) alloys prepared by mechanical alloying

Mg₂Ni_1−xMn_x(x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375) electrode alloys are prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) under argon atmosphere at room temperature using a planetary high-energy ball mill. The microstructures are characterized by XRD and SEM. XRD analysis results indicate that the substitution of Mn for Ni could inhibit the formation of MgNi₂ phase with the increases of x from 0 to 0.375. Replacing Ni with Mn can also promote the formation of the amorphous phase when x increases from 0 to 0.25 for the MA alloys milled for 48 h. The new phase Mg₃MnNi₂ is formed only when x = 0.375 after 48 h of milling. This new phase belongs to the face-centered cubic lattice (Fd-3m) with the lattice constant a being 1.1484 nm. Estimated from the peaks broadening, the crystallite size and lattice strain of Mg₃MnNi₂ phase are 15.6 ± 3.6 nm and 1.09 ± 0.34%, respectively. Curve fit of XRD shows that amorphous and nanocrystalline Mg₂Ni coexist in the Mg₂Ni_1−xMn_x (x = 0, 0.125, 0.25) alloys milled for 48 h. The SEM observation reveals that all the MA alloys particles are mainly flaky and show cleavage fracture morphology and these particles are agglomerates of many smaller particles, namely subparticles. Electrochemical measurements indicate that all MA alloys have excellent activation properties. The discharge capacities of MA alloys increase with the prolongation of milling time. For 16 h of milling, with the increase of Mn content, the discharge capacities of Mg₂Ni_1−xMn_x (x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375) MA alloys monotonously decrease. For 24 h of milling, the discharge capacities of the Mg₂Ni_1−xMn_x (x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.375) alloys also show a rough tendency to decrease with the increase of Mn content except Mg₂Ni_0.875Mn_0.125 MA alloy. On the other hand, for 48 h of milling, as the rise of Mn content from x = 0.125 to 0.375, the discharge capacities increase. Mg(OH)₂ is formed during charge/discharge cycles in the KOH solution for all MA alloys. After 48 h of milling, the substitution of Mn for Ni for x = 0.25 improves the cycle stability at the expense of decreasing the discharge capacity. In contrast, Mg₃MnNi₂ phase is relatively stable during charge/discharge cycles and therefore can significantly enhance the cycle stability under simultaneously maintaining a high discharge capacity.     

Microstructures and electrochemical performances of La2Mg(Ni0.85Co0.15)9Crx (x = 0–0.2) electrode alloys prepared by casting and rapid quenching

In order to improve the electrochemical cycle stability of La–Mg–Ni system (PuNi₃-type) hydrogen storage alloy, a trace of Cr was added and rapid quenching techniques were employed. The electrochemical performances and microstructures of the as-cast and -quenched alloys were determined and measured. The effects of Cr content and quenching rate on the microstructures and electrochemical properties of the alloys were investigated in detail. The obtained results show that the as-cast and -quenched alloys are composed of the (La, Mg)Ni₃ phase (PuNi₃-type structure) and the LaNi₅ phase as well as the LaNi₂ phase. The amount of the LaNi₂ phase increases with the increase of Cr content. The addition of Cr enhances the cycle stability of the as-cast and -quenched alloys, but decreases the discharge capacities of the alloys. The cycle lives of the alloys increase with the increase of the quenching rate. The as-cast and -quenched alloys have an excellent activation performance.     

Cooperative effect of Co and Al on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of AB3-type hydrogen storage electrode alloys for advanced MH/Ni secondary battery

The crystal structure and electrochemical properties of the La₂MgMn_0.3Ni_8.7−x(Co_0.5Al_0.5)_x (x = 0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0, at%) hydrogen storage alloys are investigated systematically. The results show that all the alloys consist of (La, Mg)Ni₃ and LaNi₅ phases, the cyclic stability S₆₀ increases from 61.2% (x = 0) to 78.7% (x = 3.0) after 60 charge/discharge cycles, and the peak high rate dischargeability (HRD) at the discharge current density of 1200 mA/g appears at the alloy of x = 2.0 with the value of 68.3%. Moreover, the electrochemical kinetic properties of the alloys are also improved at different extent with increasing x. All the results indicate that the substitution of Co and Al for Ni in AB₃-type hydrogen storage alloys is effective to improving the overall electrochemical properties, and the optimum content is x = 2.0.     

Investigation on structures and electrochemical performances of the as-cast and -quenched electrode alloys

The La–Mg–Ni system PuNi₃-type hydrogen storage alloys La_0.7Mg_0.3Co_0.45Ni_2.55-xFe_x (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were prepared by casting and rapid quenching. Ni in the alloy was partially substituted by Fe in order to improve the cycle stability of the alloys. The effects of the substitution of Fe for Ni combining rapid quenching on the microstructures and electrochemical performances of the as-cast and -quenched alloys were investigated in detail. The results indicate that the substitution of Fe for Ni obviously decreases the discharge capacity and high rate discharge (HRD) capability as well as the discharge potential of the as-cast and -quenched alloys, but it significantly improves their cycle stabilities. The microstructure of the alloys analyzed by XRD, SEM and TEM shows that the as-cast and -quenched alloys have a multiphase structure which is composed of two major phases (La, Mg)Ni₃ and LaNi₅ as well as a residual phase LaNi₂. The substitution of Fe for Ni leads to an obvious increase in the LaNi₂ phase in the as-cast alloys, and it also helps the formation of a like amorphous structure in the as-quenched alloy. With the increase of Fe content, the grain sizes of the as-quenched alloys significantly reduce, and the lattice constants and cell volumes of the alloys obviously enlarge.