Synergetic catalyst effect of Ni/Pd dual metal coating accelerating hydrogen storage properties of ZrCo alloy

Abstract

Aimed at enhancing the hydrogen absorption/desorption performances of ZrCo system, Ni/Pd dual metal coating is employed on ZrCo alloy combined with the electroless plating and displacement plating. The effects of Ni/Pd dual metal coating on the microstructure, hydrogen storage performance of ZrCo alloys were investigated systematically. The results show that Ni/Pd dual metal coating deposits on the surface of ZrCo sample successfully with the thickness of 500 nm. The hydrogen absorption kinetic property is substantially enhanced for ZrCo alloy after Ni/Pd dual metal coating, which is owing to the catalytic effect of Ni/Pd coating. Further, the activation energies ( E a ) for hydrogen absorption and desorption are calculated using the Arrhenius Equation and Kissinger method, respectively. Compared with the bare ZrCo, the activation energies of the Ni/Pd coated samples for hydriding/dehydriding process decrease which facilitate the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reaction. This work introduces a rational approach by building new catalytic coating on the hydrogen storage materials to improve the hydriding/dehydriding kinetic performance. • The Ni/Pd dual metal coating is obtained on ZrCo surface for the first time. • The Ni/Pd coating is obtained via electroless plating and displacement plating. • The Ni/Pd coating improves the hydrogen storage performances of ZrCo alloy. • The improved hydrogen storage property is due to the Ni/Pd catalyst effect.