Nanocrystalline hydrogen storage alloys for rechargeable batteries

AB(5)-type intermetallic compounds were prepared by the melt spinning method. Structure analysis was carried out by X-ray diffractometry, SEM and high resolution electron microscopy. The hydrogen storage capacity was determined by isothermic mass controlled absorption of hydrogen and by electrochemical charge/discharge cycles. A variation of the preparation parameters showed that a nanocrystalline structure was achieved at high cooling rates. Nanocrystalline AB(5)-compounds show improved electrochemical properties.