Synergistic Multiphase Hydride Alloy for Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal hydride alloy materials, such as AB5 alloys, face a trade-off between reversible hydrogen storage capacity and high-rate dischargeability, with annealing processes that eliminate secondary phases improving capacity but reducing high-rate dischargeability, and often require expensive components like Pr or Nd.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a secondary phase with a B2 structure into the alloy, which enhances electrochemical properties by improving capacity and high-rate discharge without using Pr or Nd, and allowing the primary phase to have a CaCu5 structure with specific compositions of alkaline earth and rare earth elements, along with transition metals, to form alloys that spontaneously develop primary and secondary phases during solidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If annealing process is used to eliminate secondary phases, then reversible hydrogen storage capacity is improved, but high-rate dischargeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions with different functions: the primary CaCu5 phase provides hydrogen storage capacity while the secondary B2 phase (AlMnNi2) provides catalytic activity for high-rate dischargeability. Each phase has optimized composition and structure for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between capacity and discharge rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining two phases with complementary properties: the CaCu5 primary phase for hydrogen absorption/storage and the B2 secondary phase for enhancing electrochemical reactions. This composite structure allows simultaneous achievement of high capacity and high-rate dischargeability that neither phase could achieve alone.
2Reliability
If expensive components like Pr or Nd are used, then electrochemical properties are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive rare earth elements (Pr, Nd) with more economical alternatives while maintaining performance. The B2 phase uses common elements (Al, Mn, Ni) to provide the necessary catalytic function, eliminating the need for costly Pr or Nd additions and reducing manufacturing cost without sacrificing electrochemical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by eliminating Pr/Nd and instead optimizing the B2 phase composition with Al, Mn, and Ni in specific ratios. This parameter change achieves the same electrochemical enhancement through a different compositional pathway that is more cost-effective.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The presence of a secondary phase improves hydrogen diffusion and transport, leading to enhanced electrochemical performance, including increased capacity and high-rate dischargeability, while maintaining stability and reducing the need for expensive components like Pr or Nd.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of a secondary phase improves hydrogen diffusion and transport
Implementation Method 2
certain metal hydride alloy materials are capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen
Implementation Method 3
the negative electrode material (M) is charged by the electrochemical absorption of hydrogen
Implementation Method 4
These materials reversibly form hydrides in order to store hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen storage alloy material includes a primary phase having an ABx type structure and a secondary phase having a B2 structure that enhances the electrochemical properties of the alloy. The A component of the primary phase includes La and Ce, and the B component of the primary phase includes Ni, Co, Al, and Mn. The secondary phase may include Al, Mn, and Ni. Also disclosed are battery systems including the alloy material.