HYDROGEN ABSORPTION BY LAVES PHASE RELATED BCC SOLID-SOLUTION

We propose a new concept of hydrogen absorbing alloy, 'Laves phase rel ated BCC solid solution'. It was first found among the phases formed i n multicomponent nominal AB(2) alloys which consisted of Zr and Ti for the A metal site and 5A, 6A and 7A transition metals for the B metal sites. In these alloys a BCC solid solution often coexisted with a Lav es phase. It showed stability of hydrides and reaction kinetics almost identical to intermetallics such as Laves phase alloys. We prepared a n almost pure 'Laves phase related BCC solid solution' and found that it had a large hydrogen capacity (more than 2 mass%) and fast hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics at ambient temperature and pressur e. This new hydrogen absorbing alloy may open a new era of hydrogen re lated application such as hydrogen vehicles. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.