Investigation on synthesis, characterization and hydrogenation behaviour of hydrogen storage material: Fe1-xZrxTi1.3 (x=0.2)

The present study is aimed at investigations on the structural and microstr uctural characterization and hydrogenation behaviour of Zr substituted Fe1- xZrxTi1.3 (x = 0.2) alloys. This storage alloy has been synthesized using R .F.induction melting under an argon atmosphere in a previously outgassed gr aphite crucible. The structural characterization (XRD) has revealed that th e as-synthesized sample is multiphasic in nature and embodies the phases Fe Ti, Fe2Ti, FeTi2 and Ti. Microstructural evaluations (SEM) exhibited the pr esence of interfaces and cracking. The P-C isotherm was determined and it s howed the storage capacity of similar to 1.20 wt.% at 200 degrees C. The ac tivation as well as desorption kinetics (75% desorption of H-2 in 6 min) we re found to be better for Zr-substituted alloy (Fe0.8Zr0.2Ti1.3) as compare d to FeTi1.3. The improved activation and desorption kinetics are thought t o be due to presence of several interfaces e.g. Fe(Zr)Ti/Fe(Zr)Ti-2, Fe(Zr) Ti/{Fe(Zr)}(2)Ti and volume expansion induced cracking of Ti. (C) 1999 Inte rnational Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.