Hydrogen storage performance of Ti_0.75Zr_0.25Mn_0.9CrFe_0.1 alloy with different preparation methods

The Ti_0.75Zr_0.25Mn_0.9CrFe_0.1 alloy was prepared using both arc melting and magnetic levitation melting methods. Additionally, the arc-melted alloy was further processed by melt-spinning and annealing. The differences in microstructure and hydrogen storage performance among the alloys prepared were investigated. All these alloys exhibit a single C14-Laves phase structure. The alloys produced by arc-melting, annealing, and magnetic levitation-melting show distinct Zr element precipitation. In contrast, no evident element segregation was detected in the melt-spun alloy. The unit cell volume decreased in the order of: arc-melted (AM) > melt-spun (MS) > annealed (AN) > magnetic levitation-melted (ML) alloy. The plateau pressure of the alloys is: AM < MS < AN < ML. Compared with the AM, the maximum hydrogen storage capacity of the alloy formed by MS and AN is slightly reduced. Regarding hydrogen absorption kinetics, all four alloys reach saturation within 300 seconds. Compared to other preparation methods, melt-spinning can reduce the slope factor and hysteresis factor, and enhance its resistance to powdering.