The Effects of Ag Addition on the Electrode Properties of Hydrogen Storage Alloys

Zr계 수소저장합금의 전극특성에 미치는 은 첨가의 영향

The effects of Ag addition to Zr-based hydrogen storage alloys ($Zr_{0.7}Ti_{0.3}V_{0.4}Ni_{1.2}Mn_{0.4}$, $Zr_{0.7}Ti_{0.3}V_{0.4}Ni_{1.2}Mn_{0.3}Cr_{0.1}$ and $Zr_{0.6}Ti_{0.4}V_{0.4}Ni_{1.2}Mn_{0.3}Fe_{0.1}$) on the electrode properties were examined. Ag-free and Ag-added Ze-based alloys were prepared by arc melting, crushed mechanically, and subjected to the electrochemical measurement. In $Zr_{0.7}Ti_{0.3}V_{0.4}Ni_{1.2}Mn_{0.4}$ alloy, 0.08 wt% Ag addition to the alloy improved the activation rate. Also Ag addition improved both activation property and discharge capacity in $Zr_{0.7}Ti_{0.3}V_{0.4}Ni_{1.2}Mn_{0.3}Cr_{0.1}$. For these Ag-added alloys, discharge capacities with the change of charge-discharge current density(10mA, 15mA and 30mA) are almost constant. Showing very high rate capability, discharge capacity of $Zr_{0.6}Ti_{0.4}V_{0.4}Ni_{1.2}Mn_{0.3}Fe_{0.1}$ alloy increased by Ag addition to the alloy. When the amount of Ag addition in $Zr_{0.7}Ti_{0.3}V_{0.4}Ni_{1.2}Mn_{0.4}$ alloy increased too much, the electrode properties became worse. Unveiling mechanism of effect of Ag addition is now progressing in our laboratory.