Abstract: Metal hydrides for absorbing hydrogen which are capable of undergoing repeated charge/discharge cycles of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen at high temperatures and cycles through a high temperature followed by a low temperature. These alloys are intended for use in devices such as heat pumps, heat exchangers, energy storage devices, thermal actuators, temperature sensors and electrochemical cells. The alloys generally comprise the chemical formulaA.sub.1-x B.sub.xwhereA is selected from the group of elements consisting of Ti, Hf, Y,B is selected from the group of elements consisting of Nb, Ni, Co, and Fe,and x is in a range from 0.05 to approximately 0.80, and specific alloys comprise hafnium-nickel (HfNi), hafnium cobalt (HfCo), hafnium-iron (Hf.sub.2 Fe), yttrium-nickel (YNi) and titanium-niobium Ti.sub.1-x Nb.sub.x, where x is in a range of from 0.05<.times.<0.60.

Abstract: A shaped body of hydrogen absorbing alloy prepared by pressing a mixture of a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder A having a first particle-size distribution, a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder B having a second particle-size distribution and a binder C. The powder A is larger than the powder B in mean particle size. The mixture has a mean particle size ratio r.sub.B /r.sub.A of the powder B to the powder A, wherein r.sub.A and r.sub.B are the mean particle sizes of the respective powders A and B of at least 0.03 to not greater than 0.50. The hydrogen absorbing alloy of the powder B has a higher rate of progress of pulverization resulting from absorption and desorption of hydrogen than the hydrogen absorbing alloy of the powder A.

Abstract: An at least ternary metal alloy of the formula, AB.sub.(5-Y)X(.sub.y), is claimed. 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, and bismuth. 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.

Abstract: The calcium-aluminum system hydrogen absorbing alloy of the present invention is an alloy which is composed of a mixture P of Ca with (optional) Mg and an Al base alloy Q, has a molar ratio P:Q of 1:1.5 to 2.8 and shows a Laves phase with the C15-type structure as the fundamental structure thereof.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy for battery according to the present invention comprises an alloy having the composition represented by a general formula A Ni.sub.a Mn.sub.b M.sub.c [where, A is at least one kind of element selected from rare earth elements including Y (yttrium), M is a metal mainly composed of at least one kind of element selected from Co, Al, Fe, Si, Cr, Cu, Ti, Zr, Zn, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Ag, Pd, B, Ga, In, Ge and Sn, 3.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.5, 0.1.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1, 4.5.ltoreq.a+b+c.ltoreq.6], wherein the alloy has columnar structures in which the area ratio of the columnar structures having the ratio of a minor diameter to a major diameter (aspect ratio) of 1:2 or higher is 50% or more. Further, an average minor diameter of the columnar structures is set to 30 microns or less.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for metal hydride alkaline batteries uses as hydrogen-absorbing material a powder of a rare earth element-nickel hydrogen-absorbing alloy obtained by pulverizing thin strips of said alloy prepared by single roll process and having an average thickness of 0.08 to 0.35 mm and a minimum size of crystal grains present in the roll-surface size of at least 0.2 .mu.m and a maximum size of crystal grains in the open-surface side of not more than 20 .mu.m. A process for producing the above electrode is also provided. The electrode can provide, when used as negative electrode, metal hydride alkaline batteries which are excellent in both high-rate discharge characteristics at an initial period of charge-discharge cycles and charge-discharge cycle characteristics.

Abstract: A monophase hydridable material for the negative electrode of a nickel-metal hydride storage battery with a "Lave's phase" structure of hexagonal C14 type (MgZn.sub.2) has the general formula:Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x Ni.sub.a Mn.sub.b Al.sub.c Co.sub.d V.sub.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for metal hydride alkaline batteries is obtained by coating or filling a collector with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder consisting essentially of spherical particles and/or nearly spherical particles and then sintering the powder, the powder having an average particle diameter of 30 to 70 .mu.m and containing 5 to 30% by volume of particles having a diameter of at least 2 times the average diameter and 10 to 40% by volume of particles having a diameter of not more than 1/2 of the average diameter. This electrode can give metal hydride alkaline batteries having excellent high-rate discharge characteristics and a long life.

Abstract: A disordered multicomponent MgNi based electrochemical hydrogen storage material having a microstructure including a substantial volume fraction characterized by intermediate range order and exhibiting extraordinarily high storage capacity and methods of fabricating same.

Abstract: A zirconium-based hydrogen storage alloys having the composition formula:Zr.sub.1-x Q.sub.x Cr.sub.1-Y-Z-A-B Mn.sub.Y Fe.sub.Z Co.sub.A V.sub.B Ni(I)wherein Q is Ti or Hf; 0<x.ltoreq.0.3; and 0<Y+Z+A+B<1, are disclosed. The Zr-based hydrogen storage alloy has a C-14 hexagonal structure and is mainly composed of single phase. The alloy is useable for a negative electrode material for secondary batteries. The Zr-based hydrogen storage alloy also has also a discharge capacity of 300.about.377 mAg/g and low reduction of discharge capacity at a low temperature and discharge rate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hydrogen storage alloy which contains carbon in a proportion of from 30 to 500 ppm and is represented by the stoichiometric formula A.sub.x B.sub.5.0, wherein A is La or a mixture of La with at least one rare earth metal other than La, B is at least one metal selected from a group consisting of Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti, V, Zn and Zr, and x is a rational number in the range 0.95.ltoreq..times..ltoreq.1.00; and has a texture in which only the intermetallic compound phase named AB.sub.5 phase is present and every other intermetallic compound phase is absent: and a method of producing said alloy and an electrode using the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrogen storage alloy electrode prepared from an active material comprising a magnesium based alloy and a Ni, P based metallic compound. The magnesium based alloy is coated while in powder form with a Ni, P based metallic compound and activated by heat. The hydrogen storage alloy electrode produced from this active material is able to absorb and desorb hydrogen even under normal temperature and pressure. The alkali battery assembled with the electrode prepared from the activated alloy material has high energy density and charge-discharge capacity and can be used in large scale electrical equipment, especially electrically operated vehicles.

Abstract: In a method for producing a multi-component hydrogen storage alloy including metals of zirconium or vanadium, oxides of these metals is used to produce an alloy having characteristics equivalent to that produced with pure metals. It comprises steps of calcining the raw material, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of zirconium and vanadium is included in its oxide form, at a temperature ranging from 900.degree. C. to 1300.degree. C., mixing metal calcium with said calcined raw material, and treating the mixture with heat at a temperature ranging from the melting point of metal calcium to 1300.degree. C., under inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: Metals useful in the formation of hydrides for applications such as batteries are advantageously activated by hydriding/dehydriding process. This process involves repeatedly stepping the potential of metal/metal hydride electrodes in electrochemical cells. The process activates hydrogen-storing materials that are difficult to activate by conventional means.

Abstract: This invention disclosures a method to make an improved hydrogen/hydride electrode for electro-chemical applications. The method comprises the steps of: (1) preparing the slurry of hydrogen storage material; (2) pasting the slurry onto and/or into a substrate current collector to make a wet pasted electrode; (3) drying the wet pasted electrode; and (4) sintering the pasted electrode. The aforementioned method is very useful for the hydrogen storage alloy comprising of Ti, 2-70 at. %; Zr, 2-70 at. % and Ni, 5-80 at. %. It is also useful for a pseudo AB.sub.5 - or AB.sub.2 -type alloy. In particular, a high capacity hydrogen storage electrode comprising a multicomponent hydrogen storage alloy having composition represented by the formula: Ti.sub.a Zr.sub.b Ni.sub.c Nb.sub.y R.sub.z M.sub.

Abstract: Non-uniform heterogeneous powder particles for electrochemical uses, and said powder particles comprising at least two separate and distinct hydrogen storage alloys selected from the group consisting of: Ovonic LaNi.sub.5 type alloys, Ovonic TiNi type alloys, and Ovonic MgNi based alloys.

Abstract: The present invention discloses four main groups of hydrogen storage/hydride electrode materials for electrochemical applications as the active material of the negative electrode of a hydride battery. The compositions of these four groups are represented by the formulas: (1) Ti.sub.a Nb.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.p, (2) Ti.sub.a Hf.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.p, (3) Ti.sub.a Ta.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.p, (4) Ti.sub.a V.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery made using a hydrogen-storing alloy for the negative electrode has suffered from the problems that the negative electrode is oxidized with oxygen gas generated from the positive electrode during overdischarge to cause increase of internal resistance and deterioration of charging and discharging cycle characteristics. Disclosed is a solution to the above problems which incorporates into the hydrogen-storing alloy negative electrode one of yttrium and yttrium compounds or a mixture thereof in such a state that it covers the surface of the hydrogen-storing alloy powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen storing alloy electrode having a large discharging capacity and a long lifetime at a high temperature. The electrode is also excellent in discharging characteristics in the early charging and discharging cycles. In one aspect of the present invention, the hydrogen storing alloy electrode is made of a hydrogen storing alloy represented by the general formula ZrMn.sub.m V.sub.x X.sub.y Ni.sub.z or a hydride thereof, wherein X is Al, Zn or W; m, x, y, and z are respectively mole ratio of Mn, V, X, and Ni to Zr: 0.4.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.0.8, 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.3, 1.0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.5, and 2.0.ltoreq.m+x+y+z.ltoreq.2.4; when X is Al or Zn, 0<y.ltoreq.0.2; and when X is W, 0<y.ltoreq.0.1. The alloy has mainly C15-type Laves phases with a crystal structure of MgCu.sub.2 type face center cubix. The alloy has a crystal lattice constant .alpha. 7.03 angstroms or more and 7.10 angstroms or less.

Abstract: A method to make new improved high capacity rechargeable hydride batteries comprising steps of (1) preparing an improved hydrogen storage material represented by the composition formula: A.sub.a B.sub.b Ni.sub.c D.sub.y M.sub.x R.sub.z, where A is one or more element chosen from the group of Ti, Zr, Mg; B is one or more elements chosen from the group of Al, V, Mn, Nb, Si, Pd, and Ag; D is one or more elements chosen from the group of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, W and Sn; R is one or more elements chosen from the group of C, B, Ca, Sb, Bi, Y, Hf, Ta, N, O, Ge, Ga and Mm, where Mm is mischmetal; M is one or more elements chosen from the group of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, P and S; and where a, b, c, y, x and z are defined by: 0.10.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.85, 0.01.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.65, 0.02.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.75, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.30, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.30, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.30 and a+b+c+y+x+z=1.00; (2) preparing a high capacity (1.15-2.

Abstract: A disordered electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy comprising:(Base Alloy).sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c Fe.sub.d Sn.sub.ewhere the Base Alloy comprises 0.1 to 60 atomic percent Ti, 0.1 to 40 atomic percent Zr, 0 to 60 atomic percent V, 0.1 to 57 atomic percent Ni, and 0 to 56 atomic percent Cr; b is 0 to 7.5 atomic percent; c is 13 to 17 atomic percent; d is 0 to 3.5 atomic percent; e is 0 to 1.5 atomic percent; and a+b+c+d+e=100 atomic percent.

Abstract: A composite hydrogen storage alloy material includes a hydrogen storage alloy material and a surface material bonded to the surface of the hydrogen storage alloy material. The surface material has a potential energy between those of hydride of the hydrogen storage alloy and hydrogen gas and permits migration of hydrogen between the inside and outside of the hydrogen storage alloy material.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy preferably used for electrodes in alkaline rechargeable battery is of the general formula: Zr.sub.1.2-a Ti.sub.a Mn.sub.v Al.sub.w Ni.sub.x M.sub.y Cr.sub.z wherein M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Zn, Sn, Fe, Mo, Cu and Co; and wherein 0.1.ltoreq.a<1.2, 0.4.ltoreq.v.ltoreq.1.2, 0<w.ltoreq.0.3, 0.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.6, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.2, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.3, and 1.7.ltoreq.(v+w+x+y+z).ltoreq.2.7. The alloy has at least one of a C14-type Laves phase of a crystal structure similar to that of MgZn.sub.2 and a C15-type Laves phase of a crystal structure similar to that of MgCu.sub.2 as a main alloy phase.

Abstract: A first hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode is obtained by applying a hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder on a collector or having a collector filled with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder and then sintering the hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder is pre-pared by centrifugal spraying or gas atomizing and particles constituting the powder have a spherical shape, a nearly spherical shape, an egg-like shape or a mixed shape including the foregoing. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode can readily be produced at low cost and have high packing density and good corrosion resistance, and can hence yield, when used for negative electrodes, metal hydride secondary batteries having excellent cycle characteristics. A second hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode comprises a mixed powder containing a spherical-particle powder of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy and a powder as pulverized of the same alloy in a specific ratio.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy electrode comprising, an electrically conductive support made of a punched or perforated metal sheet, a mixture supported on said conductive support and a water-repellent agent for giving a water-repellent property on the surface of the electrode, said mixture including; a hydrogen storage alloy powder, a styrene-butadiene copolymer having a styrene to butadiene weight ratio in a range of 100:30 to 100:100 as a binder, a polymeric material for giving a hydrophilic property inside the electrode, and carbon black for giving a hydrophobic property inside the electrode.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material for use in various hydrogen absorber devices such as electrochemical cells, hydrogen separator devices, temperature sensors and the like, having the formula:R.sub.6-x R'.sub.x T.sub.11-y T'.sub.y X.sub.3-z X'.sub.zwhere R and R' are a rare earth metal; T is cobalt; T' is Ni, Fe, Mn or Cr; X is Ga; X' is Al, Si, Sn, Ge, Cr, In or Mo; x is from 0.0 to 3.6; y is from 0.0 to 9.0; and z is from 0 to 2.

Abstract: A negative electrode, and hydrogen storage cell incorporating the negative electrode, wherein the negative electrode is a porous mat of conductive fibers. These fibers, which are capable of reversible hydrogen storage, have high aspect ratios, typically greater than 1,000, and have diameters in the range of about 1 micron to about 20 microns. The porous mat negative electrode may optionally be sintered.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode including a step of treating the surface of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy. The surface treatment is applied to hydrogen-absorbing alloy having ununiform distortion of 3.5.times.10.sup.-3 or less by using only an acid solution whose pH value is between 0.5 and 3.5.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy for negative electrodes in an alkaline storage battery is disclosed. The alloy is represented by the general formula MmNi.sub.x M.sub.y, wherein Mm is a misch metal or a mixture of rare earth elements, and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mn, Co, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zr, Ti and V and wherein 5.0.gtoreq.x +y.gtoreq.5.5, and has a microstructure comprising a phase composed of a crystal structure of CaCu.sub.5 type and is capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen in a reversible manner, and at least one phase consisting mainly of an element or elements other than Mm, and incapable of storing hydrogen.

Abstract: A metal hydride electrode is mainly composed of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy and provided with carbon powder which is selected from acetylene black, carbon black, ketjen black, and active carbon. The metal hydride electrode is further provided with an additive including an oxide and/or a hydroxide of a metal having oxidation-reduction potential nobler than an operational potential of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy. The metal hydride electrode has excellent oxygen gas absorption ability and easy detection of -.DELTA.V, thereby realizing to produce a nickel-hydrogen alkaline storage cell with excellent charge/discharge cycle life.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method and an apparatus for heat treating a metallic material by performing hydrogen absorption in or desorption from the metallic material. The method includes the steps of recovering the hydrogen gas released from a desorption step and recycling it to a hydrogen absorbing step. Hydrogen recovering can be performed either in a device containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy or in a second heat treating furnace containing the metallic material. Various controlling devices are used to regulate the process of heat treating and recovering of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A metal hydride electrode, in which a metallic cobalt powder is mixed, within a mixing range of 3 to 20 weight percents, with a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder formed by substituting a part of Ni of alloy expressed by a rational formula of MmNi.sub.5 with Al and at least one kind of Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, and the mixed powder is loaded in a porous alkaline-proof metal body. An nickel electrode, in which a cobalt monoxide powder is mixed with an active material powder within a mixing range of 5 to 15 weight percents, the active material powder comprising zinc existing within a range of 2 to 8 weight percents, under a solid solution state in a crystal of nickel hydroxide powder assuming a spherical shape including an inner pore volume of 0.14 ml/g or less, and the mixed powder is loaded in a porous alkaline-proof metal body.

Abstract: An electrochemical hydrogen storage material comprising:(Base Alloy).sub.a M.sub.bwhere, Base Alloy is an alloy of Mg and Ni in a ratio of from about 1:2 to about 2:1, preferably 1:1; M represents at least one modifier element chosen from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Fe, Cu, Mo, W, Cr, V, Ti, Zr, Sn, Th, Si, Zn, Li, Cd, Na, Pb, La, Mm, and Ca; b is greater than 0.5, preferably 2.5, atomic percent and less than 30 atomic percent; and a+b=100 atomic percent. Preferably, the at least one modifier is chosen from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Fe, and Cu and the total mass of the at least one modifier element is less than 25 atomic percent of the final composition. Most preferably, the total mass of said at least one modifier element is less than 20 atomic percent of the final composition.

Abstract: Improved multicomponent alloys for hydrogen storage and rechargeable hydride electrode applications, and in particular for rechargeable hydride battery applications, according to the formula: A.sub.a B.sub.b Ni.sub.c D.sub.y M.sub.x R.sub.z, and the hydride thereof, where A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Y, V, Nb, Pd, Mg, Be, and Ca; B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, V, Wb, Ta, Cr, Mn, Si, C, B, and Mo; D is at least one element selected from the group consisting of W, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ag, Sb and Sn; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, P, S, Sr, and Ba; R is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, and Yb; and where a, b, c, x, y and z are defined by: 0.10.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.85, 0.02.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.85, 0.02.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.85, 0.01.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.30, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.25, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.12 and a+b+c+x+y=1.00.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing free hydrogen from a gas mixture containing essentially hydrogen, oxygen, and steam using a catalyst arrangement for catalytically supported oxidation of hydrogen and a hydrogen-storage apparatus for absorption of hydrogen by hydride formation. The catalyst arrangement and the hydrogen-storage apparatus are designed to operate in different temperature and pressure regions, and they are arranged to provide good heat conduction between them. In this manner, heat generated by hydride formation enhances catalytic oxidation.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy represented by the general formula R.sub.1-x A.sub.x (Ni.sub.5-y B.sub.y).sub.z wherein R is Mm (misch metal) or La, A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ce, Nd, Pr, Sm and Y, B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Sn, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Cu, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5, 0<y.ltoreq.1.0 and 0.8.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.2. The alloy is prepared by subjecting an alloy material of the above composition to a heat treatment so that when the plateau region of the resulting hydrogen absorbing alloy is expressed by a normal cumulative distribution function wherein the hydrogen content of the alloy is taken as frequency and the logarithm of the equilibrium hydrogen pressure of the alloy as a random variable, the alloy is at least 0.04 to up to 0.10 in standard deviation .sigma..

Abstract: An electrode (40) for a Ni/MHx storage cell (47) is prepared by providing a substrate (62) and providing an active material in a finely divided form. A paste (60) of a mixture of the active material, optionally a finely divided carbon powder, and a solution of a polymer in an organic solvent is formed. The paste (60) is coated onto the substrate (62). The paste-coated substrate (62) is immersed into water to wash away the organic solvent and to precipitate the polymer, completing the anode fabrication. This electrode (40) is assembled with another electrode (44) and as a separator (46) between the electrodes (40 and 44) and provided with an electrolyte (50), to form the electrochemical cell (47).

Abstract: In the method of the present invention for producing a hydrogen-storing alloy, part or whole of single substance of Zr as a starting material is replaced with a ferrozirconium or a zircalloy. This method enables production of a hydrogen-storing alloy at reduced material and production costs and with high efficiency and safety of work. The alloy produced by this method has high homogeneity with no segregation. It is thus possible to obtain a hydrogen-storing alloy superior in hydrogen-storing characteristics such as hydrogen storage capacity, reaction speed, and electrode reaction efficiency in an electrolyte. It is also possible to obtain, by using this alloy, a nickel-hydrogen storage battery having a large storage capacity and capable of performing quick charging and discharging, while exhibiting longer life and higher economy.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy preferably used for electrodes in an alkaline storage battery is provided. The alloy is of the general formula ZrMn.sub.w V.sub.x Mo.sub.b M.sub.y Ni.sub.z, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe and Co and 0.4.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.8, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.3, 0.05.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.2, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.2, 1.0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.5, and 2.0.ltoreq.w+x+b+y+z.ltoreq.2.4. The alloy has C15-type Laves phases of a crystal structure similar to that of MgCu.sub.2 as a main alloy phase, and a lattice constant "a" such that 7.05 .ANG..ltoreq.a.ltoreq.7.13 .ANG..

Abstract: A rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen occlusive alloy ingot contains 90 vol % or more of crystals having a crystal grain size of 1 to 50 .mu.m as measured along a short axis of the crystal and 1 to 100 .mu.m as measured along a long axis of the crystal. A method for producing the rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen occlusive alloy ingot involves melting a rare earth metal-nickel alloy and uniformly solidifying the alloy melt to have a thickness of 0.1 to 20 mm under cooling conditions of a cooling rate of 10.degree. to 1000.degree. C./sec and a sub-cooling degree of 10.degree. to 500.degree. C.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell having a negative electrode, whose electrochemically active material comprises an intermetallic compound having the CaCu.sub.5 -structure which forms a hydride with hydrogen, obtains a high loadability and a long life cycle by virtue of the fact that the intermetallic compound comprises a non-stoichiometric metastable phase. The intermetallic compound is, preferably, of the type having the composition AB.sub.m, where m exceeds 5.4.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy electrode comprising a hydrogen storage alloy having a major phase of C15 (MgCu.sub.2) type Laves phase with a composition expressed as ZrMn.sub.w M.sub.x Cr.sub.y Ni.sub.z (where M is one or more elements selected from V and Mo), or its hydride. In this formula, one composition range is 0.6.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.8, 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.3, 0<y.ltoreq.0.2, and 1.2.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.5, and the other composition range is 0.6.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.8, 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.3, 0<y.ltoreq.0.2, and 0.8.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.2.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode having a hydrogen-absorbing alloy in a single crystal system and composed of at least three elements which are coated on a conductive substrate. One of the at least three elements has a density distribution profile with at least two adjacent high density peaks and a lowest density point between the at least two adjacent high density peaks. A density difference between one of the at least two adjacent high density peaks and the lowest density point is not less than about 3.0 wt % and a distance between the two adjacent high density peaks is not less than about 20 .mu.m. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy has a volume of 2 .mu.m.sup.3 and may include an additive selected from a group consisting of Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Tungsten (W) and Cobalt (co).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode is provided, wherein a hydrogen-occlusion-alloy ingot is mechanically crushed, the obtained powder is washed in water to remove dust-size particles from the surface thereof, the washed powder is used in a moisten state after said washing as it is to prepare a slurry of a specified composition, and the slurry is supported on to a current collector. Incorporating this hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode in a nickel-hydrogen storage battery as the negative electrode leads to reduced internal pressure of the battery, an extended charge and discharge cycle life, and an improved rapid discharge characteristic.

Abstract: The material is derived from the compound TiNi, is a single-phase material and is expressed by the following general formula:(Ti.sub.[1-(x+y)] Zr.sub.x M.sub.y)Ni.sub.zwhere: ##EQU1## where M is chosen from vanadium V, silicon Si, and a combination of vanadium and of silicon. Preferably, the hydridable material satisfies the following formulae:(Ti.sub.0.7 Zr.sub.0.2 V.sub.0.1)Nior(Ti.sub.0.5 Zr.sub.0.4 Si.sub.0.1)NiThe hydridable material is a single-phase material and has a body-centered cubic lattice, with a lattice parameter of about 3 .ANG..

Abstract: A sealed storage battery for use in potable power supply is improved by using metal oxide-hydrogen storage alloy to have a higher capacity and a smaller weight. The battery has a structure which comprises a combination of a positive electrode having a high energy density in a wide range of temperature and consisting of a bulk high porosity body filled with an active material composed of solid solutions such as typical Co solid solution, oxide powders such as typically Ca(OH).sub.2 and ZnO, with an addition of graphite for rendering the electrode reaction effective; and a high capacity negative electrode of hydrogen storage alloy having a reduced equilibrium hydrogen pressure, and where the aforementioned characteristics at high temperatures are further enhanced by an electrolyte suitable to high temperatures, short-circuits are prevented by a chemically stable separator, and a structure sealing a container and a safety vent is excellent in air-tightness and reliability.

Abstract: An improved metal hydride hydrogen storage alloy electrode (20) for use in an electrochemical cell (10). The improved electrode (20) includes a hydrogen storage alloy material (22) having a layer of a passivation material (25) disposed thereon.

Abstract: The microstructure of alpha-2 and orthorhombic titanium aluminide alloy cast and ingot metallurgy articles is refined by: (a) hydrogenating the article at a temperature at or slightly below the .beta.-transus temperature of the alloy; (b) cooling the article, under a positive partial pressure of hydrogen, to a temperature about 20 to 40 percent below the .beta.-transus; and (c) dehydrogenating the article.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable hydride composition and a method for making such a composition. The composition is made by forming particles of a metal hydride into porous granules, mixing the granules with a matrix material, forming the mixture into pellets, and sintering the pellets in the absence of oxygen. The ratio of matrix material to hydride is preferably between approximately 2:1 and 4:1 by volume. The porous structure of the granules accommodates the expansion that occurs when the metal hydride particles absorb hydrogen. The porous matrix allows the flow of hydrogen therethrough to contact the hydride particles, yet supports the granules and contains the hydride fines that result from repeated absorption/desorption cycles.

Abstract: Three types of novel hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrodes A, B and C usable for metal hydride secondary batteries are provided. All three types are represented by the general formula AB.sub.x wherein A represents Ti or elements that principally comprise Ti and generate heat upon absorption of hydrogen, B represents Mo and Ni or elements that principally comprise Mo and Ni and absorb heat upon absorption of hydrogen and 0.5.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.2, and are readily producible and difficult to undergo cycle deterioration and need only short activation treatment time. (A) uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy obtained by quenching and solidifying an alloy melt under an atmosphere of a reducing gas containing hydrogen at a cooling rate of at least 1.times.10.sup.3 .degree. C.