Ti–Fe based alloys prepared by ball milling for electrochemical hydrogen storage

In this study, the Ti1.04Fe0.6Ni0.1Zr0.1Mn0.2Sm0.06 composite was prepared by using vacuum induction melting under inert atmosphere. Then, the specimen was milled with 5 wt% Ni powders for 10–40 h to realize the general improvements in hydrogenation performance. The phase component was determined and the morphology and microscopic structure were observed using XRD, SEM and HRTEM, respectively. The electrochemical properties of the alloys were studied. The results showed that the as-milled specimens got the maximal discharge capacity without any activation. It reached 305 mAh/g for the 30 h milling specimen, which was better than the other specimens. Besides, ball milling can enhance the electrochemical cyclic stability of the experimental alloys. The capacity retention rate (S100) increased from 57.6 to 70.2% after 100 charging and discharging cycles with increasing milling duration from 10 to 40 h. The high rate discharge ability of the 30 h milling specimen had the maximal value of 92.8%.