Influence of Pr in the microstructure and electrical properties in LaPrMgAlMnCoNi based alloys for using for Ni-MH batteries

The La0.7-xPrxMg0.3Al0.3Mn-0.4Co0.5Ni3.8 (x= 0 a 0.7) as-cast alloys to apply in negative electrodes for nickel-metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH). The characterizations of the alloys were realized by: scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction techniques. A study of hydrogen absorption capacity of the alloys realized. The hydrogenation of the material was performed in two processes: the low pressure (0.2 MPa of hydrogen and temperature of the 773 K) and high pressure (1 MPa of hydrogen and temperature of the 298 K). It was observed that with increasing Pr content occurred a decrease the hydrogen absorption capacity. The capacity of discharge of the batteries was determined utilizing an analyzer digital computerized composed of four channels. It was observed decreases of the discharge capacity of the batteries when increase praseodymium content in La0.7-xPrxMg0.3Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.5Ni-3.8 (x= 0 a 0.3) alloys. The highest discharge capacity (386 mAhg-1) and stability cyclic were obtained to La0.2Pr0.5Mg0.3Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.5Ni3.8 alloy. This capacity can be related to the higher proportion of phase LaMg2Ni9 in the alloy with the addition of 0.5 at.% Pr. (author)