Improvement of hydrogen absorption kinetics by alkaline surface treatment of hydrogen storage alloys. Aiming at a high electric-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract

The effect of the pretreatment by NaOH, LiOH and KOH on the initial activation of LaNi2.5Co2.5 in electrochemical reactions was investigated. The samples pretreated by alkaline-hydroxides exhibited higher reaction rates than those without pretreatment. The presence of the alloy surface reduces the work function for electrons of the alloy over 1.1eV with K atoms. The electrochemical hydriding rate can be enhanced by decreasing the work function for electrons of alloy.