US 5,888,665 A · LaNi.sub.5 is-based metal hydride electrode in Ni-MH rechargeable cells

Abstract

An at least ternary metal alloy of the formula AB.sub.(Z-Y) X.sub.(Y) is disclosed. In this formula, A is selected from the rare earth elements, B is selected from the elements of Groups 8, 9, and 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and X includes at least one of the following: antimony, arsenic, germanium, tin or bismuth. Z is greater than or equal to 4.8 and less than or equal to 6.0. Y is greater than 0 and less than 1. Ternary or higher-order substitutions to the base AB.sub.5 alloys that form strong kinetic interactions with the predominant metals in the base metal hydride are used to form metal alloys with high structural integrity after multiple cycles of hydrogen sorption.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A fuel cell, comprising:

an alkaline electrolyte;
an anode contacting the electrolyte, the anode being made of a material selected to electrocatalyze a fuel;
a cathode contacting the electrolyte, the cathode being made of a material selected to electrocatalyze oxygen, the cathode material being an at least ternary hydridable alloy having the formula:
AB.sub.(Z-Y) X.sub.Y, as an atomic ratio where 4.8.ltoreq.Z.ltoreq.6.0;
A includes at least one substance selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, yttrium and mischmetal;
B includes at least one element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, aluminum and nickel;
X includes at least one element E selected so that at least one binary alloy selected from the group consisting of AE and BE has an enthalpy of formation greater than that of binary alloy LaSn;
and
Y is greater than or equal to zero.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

LaNi.sub.5 is-based metal hydride electrode in Ni-MH rechargeable cells

Life of this patent

LaNi.sub.5 is-based metal hydride electrode in Ni-MH rechargeable cells

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20