Hydriding/dehydriding properties of La2Mg16Ni alloy prepared by ball milling in different milling environments

The hydriding/dehydriding properties of La2Mg16Ni alloy prepared by ball milling in different environments have been investigated. Obvious differences in the surface morphology for different milling conditions are shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The concentration changes of the elements on the surface are examined by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Due to the formation of oxide nucleation centers and electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes, the sample milled in benzene has the best hydriding activity properties. After activation, however, the samples milled in benzene and ethanol have almost the same hydriding/dehydriding properties. It seems that benzene has a strong influence on the surface characteristics with improved ball milling efficiency. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.