Multi-Phase Metal Hydride Alloy Activation via Localized Catalytic Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
AB2 metal hydride alloys used in battery systems face challenges with activation and high-rate discharge capabilities, which are inferior to AB5 materials, limiting their utility in high-power applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a modifier element, such as Yttrium, to form a multi-phase alloy with a catalytic phase having a higher concentration of the modifier element than the main phase, improving activation and high-rate discharge properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If AB2 metal hydride alloys are used in battery systems, then charge storage capacity is improved and cost is reduced (avoiding rare earth elements), but activation difficulty increases and high-rate discharge capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a multi-phase alloy structure where a catalytic phase with high modifier element concentration (1-10 atomic percent) is distributed within the AB2 matrix. This localized concentration of catalytic modifiers at specific regions (grain boundaries, interfaces) provides targeted improvement in activation and high-rate discharge properties without altering the bulk AB2 composition, thus maintaining charge storage capacity while solving the activation difficulty problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials principle by combining the AB2 phase with a catalytic phase containing concentrated modifier elements (Ni, Co, Mn, Cu, or their combinations). This composite structure leverages the high charge storage capacity of AB2 while the catalytic phase composite provides enhanced activation and high-rate discharge capabilities, effectively resolving the contradiction between capacity and operational ease.
2Quantity of substance
If AB2 metal hydride alloys are used in battery systems, then charge storage capacity is improved, but high-rate discharge capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catalytic phase with localized high concentration of modifier elements (1-10 atomic percent) creates favorable reaction zones at grain boundaries and phase interfaces. These localized catalytic regions facilitate rapid hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics, enabling high-rate discharge capability while the bulk AB2 phase maintains high charge storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of AB2 matrix with catalytic phase inclusions provides synergistic effects: the AB2 phase contributes high charge storage capacity while the catalytic phase composite (containing Ni, Co, Mn, Cu or combinations) enhances electrochemical reaction rates, thereby simultaneously achieving both high capacity and high-rate discharge performance.
3Ease of operation
If a catalytic phase with high modifier element concentration is introduced, then activation and high-rate discharge properties are improved, but alloy complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the modifier element concentration within a specific range (1-10 atomic percent in the catalytic phase, 0.1-5 atomic percent overall). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient catalytic activity for improved activation and high-rate discharge properties while preventing excessive phase separation and maintaining manufacturability, thus balancing performance improvement with alloy complexity management.
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 modified AB2 alloys exhibit enhanced charge storage capacities and faster activation, addressing the limitations of traditional AB2 materials by significantly improving their performance in metal hydride battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention recognizes that the activation and high-rate properties of AB2 metal hydride alloys are significantly improved if those alloys include a catalytic secondary phase
Implementation Method 2
a multi-phase, metal hydride alloy material for reversibly absorbing and desorbing hydrogen
Implementation Method 3
capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen in a reversible manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A multi-phase metal hydride alloy material which is capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing hydrogen includes a first main phase or group of phases having an ABX type crystalline structure and a second phase which has a concentration of a modifier element therein which is greater than the concentration of the modifier element in the first phase or group of phases. The modifier element functions to promote the formation of the second phase and may comprise a light rare earth element such as yttrium. The first phase or group of phases may incorporate one or more Laves phases such as a C14, C15, and/or C36 phase. Further disclosed are metal hydride batteries including the alloys.