IMPROVED HYDROGEN SORPTION CHARACTERISTICS IN FETI(1+X)MM MATERIAL

We report the synthesis and characterisation of FeTi1+x + 4.5wt%Mm (x = 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) as advanced FeTi-based hydrogen storage materials and their hydrogen sorption characteristics: The synthesis of this mat erial was accomplished by melting the stoichiometric mixture of its in gredients in an inert (Ar) atmosphere using an R.F. induction furnace. The synthesised material was characterised by X-ray, which showed the presence of FeTi (major phase), FeTi2 (minor phase) and some titanium . The maximum storage capacity (similar to 1.71wt%)corresponded to x = 0.3. Interestingly, the hydrogen storage capacity at 100 degrees C co rresponded to similar to 1.9wt%. The transmission electron microscopic investigations of virgin and hydrogenated samples were compared. The existence of special microstructure features, e.g. channel-like config urations in the hydrogenated sample may be responsible for the improve d hydrogenation/dehydrogenation characteristics.