The effect of Ni content on the discharge characteristics of Zr-V-Mn-Ni hydrogen storage alloy electrode

Zr-V-Mn-Ni 수소저장합금전극의 방전특성에 미치는 Ni 양의 효과에 관한 연구

$ZrV_{0.7}Mn_{0.5}Ni_{1.2}$ alloy is attractive for anode material in Ni/MH secondary battery because of its large hydrogen storage capacity in gas-solid reaction and long cycling durability in KOH electrolyte. In this work, in order to further improve the discharge performance of this alloy electrode, the alloy was annealed by optimal condition which is for 12 hours at $1000^{\circ}C$. The alloy annealed under optimal condition had higher rate capability and discharge capacity than as-cast one. The microstructure of the as-cast and annealed alloy was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Ni content in the matrix was increased, being this homogenized after annealing. Additionally, The measurement of the surface area by B.E.T. analysis showed that there was little difference as-cast and annealed alloy. Therefore, improvement in the rate capability of the annealed alloy is due to increase of Ni content in the matrix.