Hydrogen sorption and electrochemical properties of intermetallic compounds La2MgNi9 and La1.9Mg1.1Ni9

Abstract

Intermetallic compounds La_3–xMg_xNi₉ (x = 1.0, 1.1) were synthesized and their hydrogen sorption and electrochemical properties were studied. The maximum hydrogen storage capacities for La₂MgNi₉ and La_1.9Mg_1.1Ni₉ were shown to be 1.6±0.1 and 1.5±0.1 wt.%, respectively, and the unit cell volume increased by 24% and 16%, respectively, upon the hydrogenation of the alloys. The maximum specific capacity of the electrodes with the La_1.9Mg_1.1Ni₉ and La₂MgNi₉ alloys is 390 mA h g^–1 at a discharge current density of 60 mA g^–1, which is 24% higher as compared to the similar data for the LaNi₅ alloy (315 mA h g^–1). The electrodes demonstrate high specific capacity and performance at high current densities, as well as good cyclic stability.