Abstract: The structure and electrochemical properties of the La_0.7Mg_0.3Ni_3.4-xMn_0.1Co_x (x=0-1.05) hydrogen storage alloys were investigated. The crystal structure and the lattice parameters of the alloys were analyzed by X-ray diffractometry and Rietveld method. Electrochemical properties of the alloys including p—c—t curves, discharge capacity, discharge capacity retention were studied. The results show that (La,Mg)Ni₃ and LaNi₅ are the main phases of all the alloys. The plateau pressure for hydrogen absorption/desorption decreases and the hydrogen storage capacity firstly increases and subsequently decreases with increasing Co content. The values of the maximum discharge capacity of the alloy electrodes remain in range of 395.3-403.1mA•h/g in spite of the change of Co content. The cycling stability of the alloy electrodes is greatly improved with increasing Co content, which is attributed to the suppression of the cell volume expansion during hydriding, leading the pulverization of the alloy particles lowered and the oxidation/corrosion of the active elements reduced.

Key words:  La-Mg-Ni alloy; Ni/MH batteries; structure; hydrogen storage alloys; p—c—t curve; electrochemical properties