Morphology, Microchemistry, Structural and Hydrogenation Characteristics of (Zr-Ti) (Cr-V-Ni) 2 Intermetallic Compounds

Abstract

Hydrogen is a promising alternative fuel since it can be used pollution-free and can readily be produced from renewable energy resources, eliminating the production of greenhouse gases. Its storage is a great subject of intensive research for many years. Metal hydrides have the potential for reversible on-board hydrogen storage and release at low temperatures and pressures. In this work materials with nominal composition Zr 1-xTixCr2- y-zVyNiz were investigated. The samples were prepared by arc- melting under Ar-atmosphere from pure metals. The structure and microstructure of the alloys were examined by X-ray diffraction analysis and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR- SEM), respectively. Morphology and quantitative measurement were made using the energy dispersive X-ray. A two phase system of hexagonal Laves MgZn 2 (C14)- and MgCu 2 (C15)- type of structure has been found for all samples. Increasing the V concentration in the stoichiometry leeds to development of a dentritic-type of microstructure. P-C-T curves were obtained after crucial activation procedure. The alloys were found to be more active under hydrogen while the desorbed amount of hydrogen has been measured in the temperature range of (20 to 30) °C by using a Sieverts’-type apparatus.