Electrochemistry of hydride-forming intermetallic compounds and alloys

The present review deals with studies published over recent 15 years and devoted to the electrochemistry of hydride-forming intermetallic compounds (IMC) and alloys. Data on the discharge capacity and the stability at potential cycling of the electrode materials based on IMC and AB, AB2, AB3 and AB5 types alloys and their substituted derivatives are classified and generalized. The problems concerning the optimization of the elemental composition of IMC and alloys, their production and activation, as well as the factors causing degradation of electrodes manufactured on their basis are discussed. The mathematical models suggested for describing the processes of discharge and degradation of metal-hydride electrodes are analyzed. 149 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs