ELECTROCHEMICAL AND SURFACE-PROPERTIES OF THE ZR(V0.2MN0.2NI0.6)(2.4)ALLOY ELECTRODE

In order to further improve the electrocatalytic activity and activati on behaviour of the Zr(V0.2Mn0.2Ni0.6)(2.4) alloy electrode, the alloy powder surface was treated by HF acid solution and the electrochemica l properties of both electrodes were measured. It was found that the s urface treatment by HF acid solution was significantly effective on im proving the electrocatalytic activity and activation behaviour of the alloy electrode by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Th e surface properties of the untreated and treated alloy powders were i nvestigated by scanning electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effected factors on the electrocatalytic activity su ch as the chemical state and composition of alloy powder surfaces befo re and after treatment by HF acid solution were discussed. Additionall y, the crystallographic characterization and the hydrogen storage perf ormance of the alloy were also examined.