Preparation and properties of Mg0.9Ti0.1Ni0.9X0.1 (X = Mn, Zn, Co, Fe) quaternary alloys

The effects of partial substitution of Mg, Ni in Mg-based alloy on its electrochemical and hydrogen storage properties were investigated. Mg-0.9,Ti-0.1 Ni-0.9 X-0.1 ( X = Mn, Zn, Co, Fe) quaternary alloys were synthesized by mechanical alloying(MA) on the basis of the ternary Mg0.9Ti0.1 Ni alloy. The X-ray diffraction showed that the X partial substitution of Ni promoted the amorphous process of Mg0.9Ti0.1 Ni alloy. It was found that the Co-substituted and Fe-substituted alloys showed enhanced discharge capacities. The cycle life of the alloys was improved with the addition of Mn and Zn, especially Mg0.9Ti0.1 Ni-0.9 Zn-0.1 alloy remained to keep a higher discharge capacity after the 10 cycles of charge and discharge. The hydrogen content in Mg-0.9 Ti-0.1 Ni-0.9 Co-0.1 alloy is higher than that in Mg-0.9 Ti-0.1 Ni alloy, which is in agreement with the result measured by the electrochemistry.