Abstract
The hydrogen storage performance and electrochemical properties of $Zr_{1-X}Ti_X(Mn_{0.2}V_{0.2}Ni_{0.6})_{1.8}$(X=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) alloys are investigated. The relationship between discharge performance and alloy characteristics such as P-C-T characteristics and crystallographic parameters is also discussed. All of these alloys are found to have mainly a C14-type Laves phase structure by X-ray diffraction analysis. As the mole fraction of Ti in the alloy increases, the reversible hydrogen storage capacity decreases while the equilibrium hydrogen pressure of alloy increases. Furthermore, the discharge capacity shows a maxima behavior and the rate-capability is increased, but the cycling durability is rapidly degraded with increasing Ti content in the alloy. In order to analyze the above phenomena, the phase distribution, surface composition, and dissolution amount of alloy constituting elements are examined by S.E.M., A.E.S. and I.C.P. respectively. The decrease of secondary phase amount with increasing Ti content in the alloy explains that the micro-galvanic corrosion by multiphase formation is little related with the degradation of the alloys. The analysis of surface composition shows that the rapid degradation of Ti-substituted Zr base alloy electrode is due to the growth of oxygen penetration layer. After comparing the radii of atoms and ions in the electrolyte, it is clear that the electrode surface becomes more porous, and that is the source of growth of oxygen penetration layer while accelerating the dissolution of alloy constituting elements with increasing Ti content. Consequently, the rapid degradation (fast growth of the oxygen-penetrated layer) with increasing Ti substitution in Zr-based alloy is ascribed to the formation of porous surface oxide through which the oxygen atom and hydroxyl ion with relatively large radius can easily transport into the electrode surface.