Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy is provided that is represented by the general formula Ln1-xMgxNiyAz, where: Ln is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Zr, Ti, and rare-earth elements including Y; A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, V, Cr, Nb, Al, Ga, Zn, Sn, Cu, Si, P, and B; and x, y, and z satisfy the following conditions 0.05?x?0.25, 0<z?1.5, and 2.8?y+z?4.0, wherein Ln contains 20 mole % or more of Sm.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sealed nickel metal-hydride that shows an excellent output power performance, while maintaining an excellent charge/discharge cycle performance, and a method of manufacturing the same. A hydrogen absorbing electrode is made of hydrogen absorbing alloy powder containing rare earth elements and Ni and other metal elements other than rare earth elements and the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder shows a specific saturation mass susceptibility and a specific content ratio of the rare earth elements to the non-rare earth elements.

Abstract: A nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure, which includes particles having a size of 10-200 nanometers. The particles are joined together to form a reticulated foam-like structure. The reticulated foam-like structure is similar to the structure of carbon nano-foam. The nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure may comprise a metal, such as a hydrogen storage ahoy, either a gas-phase thermal or an electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy. The nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure may alternatively comprise a hydroxide such as nickel hydroxide or manganese hydroxide or an oxide, such as a silver oxide or a copper oxide. When the nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure is a hydrogen storage alloy, the material exhibits substantial immunity to hydrogen cycling decrepitation and an increase in the reversible hydrogen storage capacity by reduction of trapped hydrogen by at least 10% as compared to the same alloy in bulk form.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a composition comprising: a) a hydrogen-fixing alloy of formula ABx where: A is an element chosen from the group comprising La, Ce, Nd, Pr and Mg, or a mixture of these; B is an element chosen from the group comprising Ni, Mn, Fe, Al, Co, Cu, Zr, Sn, or a mixture of these; x is from 3 to 6; b) a magnesium compound in such a proportion that its mass is greater than 0.1% and less than or equal to 5% of the mass of the hydrogen-fixing alloy. This composition can be used as an active material of a negative electrode of a nickel-metal hydride accumulator. Such an accumulator displays a reduced self-discharge. The invention also describes the method of producing such an accumulator.

Abstract: An electrode includes a hydrogen storage material wherein the electrode has a discharge capacity of greater than about 200 mHh/g. The electrode may include an electrically conductive substrate; and a material capable of storing hydrogen on a surface thereof supported by the substrate. The hydrogen storage material is formed by contacting a powder composition with a first solution prior to electrode fabrication and by contacting the hydrogen storage material to a second solution subsequent to electrode fabrication; and the first solution comprises a first reducing agent and a first alkaline base, and the second solution comprises a second reducing agent and a second alkaline base.

Abstract: To provide a hydrogen storage alloy for an alkaline battery capable of having high performance of power characteristics much more beyond the related-art range, and a production method thereof, as well as an alkaline battery by investigating the constituent ratios of the A2B7-type structure and the A5B19-type structure. The hydrogen storage alloy for an alkaline battery of the present invention includes: an element R selected from the Group IV and the rare earth elements including Y and excluding La; and an element M consisting of at least one of Co, Mn, and Zn. The hydrogen storage alloy is represented by general formula: La?R1-?-?Mg?Ni?-?-?Al?M? (wherein ?, ?, ?, ?, ? satisfy numerical formulae: 0???0.5, 0.1???0.2, 3.7???3.9, 0.1???0.3, 0???0.2); and the constituent ratio of the A5B19-type structure is 40% or more in the crystal structure thereof.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a spirally wound electrode group including: (a) a positive electrode including an active material layer containing nickel hydroxide and a positive electrode core material; (b) a negative electrode including an active material layer containing a hydrogen storage alloy and a negative electrode core material; and (c) a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the separator includes a hydrophilicity-imparted non-woven fabric including polyolefin or polyamide and has a thickness of 0.04 to 0.09 mm, and the percentage occupied by the cross section “SS” of the separator in the transverse cross section “S” of the electrode group is not greater than 25%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid storage unit comprising a composite fluid storage material and one or more internal fluid distribution features. The one or more internal fluid distribution features increase the homogeneity of fluid interaction within the composite fluid storage material, benefiting a number of properties and functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrogen storage material comprising an intermetallic compound capable of forming a hydride with hydrogen. The invention also relates to an electrochemically active material, comprising such a hydrogen storage material. The invention further relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode, said negative electrode comprising such a hydrogen storage material. Furthermore, the invention relates to electronic equipment powered by at least one electrochemical cell according to the invention. Besides, the invention relates to a method for the preparation of a hydrogen storage material according to the invention.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage system is described that can fabricated under ambient atmospheric conditions and humidity. The hydrogen storage system includes hydrogen-absorbing alloy particles, such as ABx-type alloys, for example LaNi4.7Al0.3, AB/A2B-type alloys, for example Mg2Ni, and AB2-type alloys, and group VIII transition metal particles, such as Pd, Pt, Ni, Ru, and/or Re, that are mechanically alloyed. The mechanically alloyed particles are stable and retain their hydrogen-absorbing efficiency even after prolonged exposure to air and water. Binders and solvent can be added to produce low-viscosity inks. The hydrogen storage system can be used with fuel cells that can be microfabricated and optionally be integrated with electronic devices.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride battery that reduces the amount of cobalt and improves battery durability. The battery includes a negative electrode formed from an AB5 hydrogen-absorbing alloy. The alloy includes an A element composed of Misch metal and a B element mainly composed of nickel. The nickel in the B element is partially replaced by at least one further element including cobalt. The alloy is formed to satisfy at least the conditions of a mol ratio of the B element relative to the A element being 5.25 or greater, the amount of cobalt for 1 mol of the A element being 0.15 mol to 0.25 mol, and the alloy having a half-width ratio, which indicates the ratio of a peak half-width of a (002) plane relative to a peak half-width of a (200) plane, of 1.3 to 1.7.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorption and desorption of molecular gas contained by storage sites of graphite nano-filaments randomly disposed in three-dimensional reticulated aerogel.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery is provided with a positive electrode of tin, a negative electrode of zinc and an alkaline electrolyte. Upon charging, some tin is converted to stannic oxide, and zinc oxide is reduced to zinc. When the battery is discharged, stannic oxide is reduced to stannous oxide and zinc is oxidized to zinc oxide.

Abstract: A reversible hydrogen storage alloy for electrochemical and thermal hydrogen storage having excellent kinetics and improved performance at low temperatures and excellent cycle life. The compositions of the hydrogen storage alloy is modified to achieve excellent performance at low temperatures and excellent cycle life via non-stoichiometric hydrogen storage alloy compositions.

Abstract: A proton conductor for fuel cells including a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic block, an electrode for fuel cells employing the same and a fuel cell employing the electrode. The proton conductor, which is phosphoric acid based mono-ester or di-ester including an amphiphilic block, is added during the preparation of catalyst layers, and thus the viscosity of the composition may decrease and the dispersion thereof can be improved. Since the proton conductor has an amphiphilic property, the distribution of phosphoric acid can be effectively controlled. Thus, efficiency of the catalyst is improved, and fuel cells having improved efficiency can be prepared by employing an electrode including the catalyst.

Abstract: A secondary cell has a hydrogen-storing alloy electrode as a negative-electrode plate 26, and the electrode contains first hydrogen-storing alloy particles 36 and second hydrogen-storing alloy particles 37. The first hydrogen-storing alloy particles 36 has composition expressed by general expression (I) (Laa1Ceb1Prc1Ndd1(Al)el)1?xMgx(Ni1?y(T1)y)z, where A1 represents at least one element selected from a group consisting of Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Ca, Sr, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr and Hf; T1 represents at least one element selected from a group consisting of V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Al, Ga, Zn, Sn, In, Cu, Si, P and B; a1, b1, c1, d1 and e1 are in the range of 0<a1?0.25, 0?b1, 0?c1, 0?d1 and 0?e1 and satisfy the relation a1+b1+c1+d1+e1=1; and x, y and z are in the range of 0<x<1, 0?y?0.5 and 2.5?z?4.5.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen storage material comprising a magnesium hydride. Said magnesium is stabilized in the fluorite structure. Preferably, the magnesium is at least partly substituted by an element such that the magnesium hydride is stabilized in the fluorite structure. In an advantageous embodiment, the hydrogen storage material also comprises a catalytically active material. Furthermore, an electrochemically active material, as well as an electrochemical cell comprising the above hydrogen storage material are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy is provided which, when used in a battery, has high drain (power) performance and charge acceptance that are excellent, and in addition, cracks are few, and cycle life performance are excellent, to be used in large batteries, in particular for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, high-power use, and the like. The hydrogen storage alloy is a hydrogen storage alloy having phase conversion accompanying the variation of hydrogen storage capacity (H/M) and is in a single phase or in a state close to a single phase when the above-mentioned hydrogen storage capacity (H/M) is in a range of 0.3 to 0.7 or 0.4 to 0.6.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a hydrogen-storage based electrode comprises treating a powder comprising at least one metal hydride with a first solution. The first solution comprises a first alkaline base and a first reducing agent. The method further comprises fabricating the electrode using the powder and treating the electrode with a second solution comprising a second alkaline base and a second reducing agent.

Abstract: In a method of reversably storing hydrogen in a hydrogen reservoir including a hydrogen storage material disposed between an electrode and a counter electrode, the hydrogen storage material is charged with hydrogen and the hydrogen is recuperated from the hydrogen storage material by applying between the electrodes a voltage differential to generate a current flow across the electrolyte which is adjustable for controlling the rate of release of the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing as a principal phase at least one phase selected from the group consisting of a second phase having a rhombohedral crystal structure and a first phase having a crystal structure of a hexagonal system excluding a phase having a CaCu5 type structure, wherein a content of a phase having a crystal structure of AB2 type is not higher than 10% by volume including 0% by volume and the hydrogen absorbing alloy has a composition represented by general formula (1) given below: R1-a-bMgaTbNiZ-X-Y-?M1XM2YMn?.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries and methods for making the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries having a precharge in the negative electrode sufficient for oxidation prevention in the negative electrode. The present invention discloses a nickel metal hydride battery, wherein the precharge of the negative electrode may be supplied by a variety of sources. The positive active material of the positive electrode may have positive active particles, such as nickel hydroxide, having a precursor coating that incorporates cobalt material capable of forming a conductive network. Sources other than cobalt-containing materials in the positive electrode include hydrogen gas provided directly to the negative active material, nickel aluminum mixed with the negative active material, the etching of the negative active material with an alkaline solution and borohydride chemically charging the negative active material.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy for alkaline storage battery which is produced by a rapid cool using a rapid quenching method and whose component is represented by a general formula Ln1-xMgxNia-b-cAlbZc is used for a negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery.

Abstract: A method of activating a hydrogen storage alloy. The method includes the step of contacting the hydrogen storage alloy with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide where the concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide is at least about 42 weight percent. The method produces a hydrogen storage alloy with increased surface area.

Abstract: An active composition for an electrode of an electrochemical cell. The active composition comprises an active electrode material and a conductive polymer. The electrochemical cell is preferably a battery cell or a fuel cell.

Abstract: A very low emission hybrid electric vehicle incorporating an integrated propulsion system which includes a fuel cell, a metal hydride hydrogen storage unit, an electric motor, high specific power, high energy density nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and preferably a regenerative braking system. The nickel-metal hydride battery module preferably has a peak power density in relation to energy density as defined by: P>1,375?15E, where P is greater than 600 Watts/kilogram, where P is the peak power density as measured in Watts/kilogram and E is the energy density as measured in Watt-hours/kilogram.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloy has: (1) a main composition expressed by the formula of Mm-(Ni—Al—Co—Mn—Mo); (2) a ratio of the number of atoms expressed by the formula of (Ni—Al—Co—Mn—Mo) is 5.7<(Ni+Al+Co+Mn+Mo)?8, and 3.5?Ni, when Mm is set at 1 in a ratio of the number of atoms; and (3) an internal structure having hydrogen storage alloy phase expressed by the general formula of AB5, and a second phase existing in the hydrogen storage alloy phase.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage composite material having a Mg—Ni based alloy with a coating of a catalytically active metal deposited on at least a portion of a surface of said Mg—Ni based alloy. The coating is less than about 200 angstroms thick and preferably is formed from iron or palladium. The composite material is capable of adsorbing at least 3 weight percent hydrogen and desorbing at least 1 weight percent hydrogen at 30° C. The Mg—Ni based alloy has a microstructure including both a Mg-rich phase and a Ni-rich phase, micro-tubes having an inner core of Ni-rich material surrounded by a sheathing of Mg-rich material, amorphous structural regions and microcrystalline structural regions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multifunctional battery for supplying power to an electrical circuit, and the related method of making the same. Use of the multifunctional battery permits structural integrity and versatility, while maximizing power output of the cells and minimizing the overall weight of the structure. The multifunctional battery includes an open cell interconnected structure comprised of a plurality of open cells so as to provide a structural electrode. The structural electrode is configured to be a load bearing member. The battery also includes interstitial electrodes that are counter electrodes to the structural electrode. The interstitial electrodes are at least partially received within a predetermined number of the cells of the interconnected structure. Additionally, a separator portion is disposed between the structural electrode and interstitial electrodes to serve as an electrical insulator.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus for using catalyst-coated hollow microspheres to produce gases, store them, and to make them available for later use. The apparatus uses catalyst-coated hollow microspheres in reversible electrochemical processes and reactions, such as those used in conjunction with water dissociation, fuel cells, and rechargeable batteries. The apparatus can be used to manufacture and store hydrogen and or oxygen and to make them available for subsequent use as raw materials for use in electrochemical and chemical reactions or as a fuel and or oxidizer for a combustion engine. The apparatus can be used as a hydrogen-oxygen hermetically seal secondary battery. The apparatus can be used as a hydrogen storage portion of certain types of secondary batteries. Hydrogen and oxygen can be stored within hollow microspheres at moderate temperature and pressure, eliminating the need for expensive storage and handling equipment, and increasing the mobility of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery having a negative electrode made from a hydrogen absorbing alloy represented by the formula Ln1-xMgxNiy-aMa (where Ln is at least one element selected from rare earth elements, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ga, Zn, Sn, In, Cu, Si and P, 0.05?x<0.20, 2.8?y?3.9 and 0.10?a?0.50) and carbon as a conductive agent, a positive electrode of nickel hydroxide as an active material, and an alkaline electrolyte, and the alkaline storage battery contains not greater than 0.01 weight % of hydrogen or not greater than 0.13 weight % of water in the hydrogen absorbing alloy when the battery is activated and is discharged to 1.0 V at one hour rate (It).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal hydride fuel storage cartridge having integrated resistive heaters that can be used in conjunction with fuel cells such as MEMS-based fuel cells. The cartridge is fabricated using micromachining methods and thin/thick film materials synthesis techniques.

Abstract: A reversible hydrogen storage alloy capable of storing large amounts of hydrogen and delivering reversibly large amounts of hydrogen at temperatures ranging from 0° C. up to 40° C. The hydrogen storage alloy is generally composed of titanium, vanadium, and chromium. The alloy may further include manganese. Modifier elements such as zirconium, iron, nickel, molybdenum, ruthenium, and/or cobalt, and scavenger elements such as misch metal, calcium, and/or magnesium may be included in the alloy to improve performance.

Abstract: A hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material is provided. The hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material is obtained by heating a carbonaceous material at lower than about 800° C. before hydrogen is stored under the pressure of hydrogen of about 50 atmospheric pressure or higher. The present invention also provides hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material that is obtained by hydrogen storage in the hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material under the pressure of hydrogen of about 50 atmospheric pressure or higher. This hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material is used for a battery or a fuel cell. The hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material is heated at lower than about 800° C. before the hydrogen is stored under the pressure of hydrogen of about 50 atmospheric pressure or higher, so that the hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material whose hydrogen storage capacity is greatly enhanced can be produced.

Abstract: In order to obtain a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a long cycle life and a low self-discharge rate, in a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising: a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide; a negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte comprising an aqueous alkaline solution, a water absorbent polymer, a water repellent and an aqueous alkaline solution are added into the separator. This battery can be produced with low cost.

Abstract: A hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material is provided. The hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material is obtained by heating a carbonaceous material in a gas atmosphere including hydrogen gas and substantially including no reactive gas as impurity gas to store hydrogen. According to the present invention, since the surface of the carbonaceous material can be cleaned and hydrogen can be stored in the carbonaceous material in the same gas atmosphere and a hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material can be produced by controlling a heating process time in the gas atmosphere including the hydrogen gas and substantially including no reactive gas as the impurity gas. This can facilitate the use of the hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material as applied to devices, systems, processes and/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel cell, which incorporates a bipolar plate. The regenerative bipolar fuel cell of the present invention contains at least one hydrogen electrode in contact with a hydrogen stream and at least one oxygen electrode in contact with an oxygen stream. At least one electrolyte chamber is in contact with the hydrogen electrode and at least one electrolyte chamber is in contact with the oxygen electrode. The electrolyte chambers provide mechanical support within the fuel cell and provide an uninterrupted pathway for an electrolyte solution to contact the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode, respectively. At least one bipolar plate is positioned between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode. The bipolar plate has a hydrogen side in contact with the hydrogen electrode and an oxygen side in contact with the oxygen electrode.

Abstract: A hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material is provided. The present invention relates to a hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material obtained by storing hydrogen in a carbonaceous material heated at more than about 230° C. under pressure in a reducing atmosphere, a battery and a fuel cell using same. The carbonaceous material is heated at more than about 230° C. under pressure in a reducing atmosphere so that its surface can be efficiently cleaned and an area where the surface of the carbonaceous material comes into contact with hydrogen atoms or hydrogen molecules is increased.

Abstract: A hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material is provided. The present invention provides a hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material obtained by heating a carbonaceous material at more than about 50° C. under the atmosphere of reducing gas, a hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material obtained by hydrogen storage in the carbonaceous material heated at more than about 50° C. under the atmosphere of reducing gas, and a battery or a fuel cell using the hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system powered by a hybrid fuel cell including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing as a principal phase at least one phase selected from the group consisting of a second phase having a rhombohedral crystal structure and a first phase having a crystal structure of a hexagonal system excluding a phase having a CaCu5 type structure, wherein a content of a phase having a crystal structure of AB2 type is not higher than 10% by volume including 0% by volume and the hydrogen absorbing alloy has a composition represented by general formula (1) given below: R1-a-bMgaTbNiZ-X-Y-?M1XM2YMn?.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell/battery including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.

Abstract: In a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising: an electrode plate assembly including current collectors on the top and bottom portions; an alkaline electrolyte; and a battery case having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped part for accommodating the electrode plate assembly and the alkaline electrolyte, the capacity degradation due to deep discharge and reverse charge inherent to a nickel-metal hydride storage battery is suppressed by setting the amount of the alkaline electrolyte at 70 to 90% of the volume V of the residual space in the battery represented by the equation (1): V=S·h?(V1+V2+V3+V4) (1), where S is the cross sectional area of the inner space of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped part, h is the height of the electrode plate assembly, V1 is the true volume of the positive electrode plate, V2 is the true volume of the negative electrode plate, V3 is the true volume of the separator, and V4 is the volume of the two current collectors.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloy has: (1) a main composition expressed by the formula of Mm?(Ni?Al?Co?Mn?Cu); (2) a ratio of the number of atoms expressed by the formula (Ni?Al?Co?Mn?Cu) is 5.5<(Ni+Al+Co+Mn+Cu)?7.0, and 4.0?Ni, when Mm is set at 1 in a ratio of the number of atoms; and (3) an internal structure having hydrogen storage alloy phase expressed by the general formula of AB5 and a second phase existing in the hydrogen storage alloy phase, wherein the whole the composition is expressed by the formula of MmiNi(3.95+p)Al(0.3+q)Co(0.4+r)Mn(0.45+s)Cu(0.10+t), and 0.3<(p+q+r+s+t)?1.8.

Abstract: The invention concerns a piece based on one or several metal hydrides capable of reversibly absorbing hydrogen. Said piece is in the form of a thin and dense band, having a thickness preferably not more than 1 mm and porosity preferably less than 20%. The piece is obtained by rolling a powder of selected hydride(s), with or without additional component(s), such as binders or heat-transfer elements. Said piece can easily be produced on an industrial scale. By its very nature, it is particularly adapted for use as a base element in a tank for storing and transporting hydrogen. It can also be used in a Ni-MH typre battery for storing and transporting energy.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy and an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode contains a hydroxide and/or an oxide of an element selected from the group consisting of calcium, strontium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanoid and bismuth, and the negative electrode contains germanium.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride storage battery which includes a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy and an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode contains a hydroxide and/or an oxide of an element selected from the group consisting of calcium, strontium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanoid and bismuth, and the negative electrode contains a hydroxide and/or an oxide of at least one element selected from the group consisting of scandium, yttrium and lanthanoid.

Abstract: An air-hydrogen battery with high energy density and satisfactory cycle characteristics is provided. The air-hydrogen battery includes: a positive electrode made of an air electrode; a negative electrode provided with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy; and a cation-exchange film or an anion-exchange film formed as an electrolyte between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, wherein a periphery of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy of the negative electrode is covered with an anion-exchange resin, whereby the contact area between the anion-exchange resin that functions as an electrolyte and the hydrogen-absorbing alloy is increased, and the utilization factor and resistance to corrosion of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy are enhanced.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery having an anode comprising a powdery composite material said powdery composite material comprising a plurality of powdery composites having a structure comprising a core whose surface is covered by a coat layer, said core comprising an alloy particle of an alloy capable of reversibly storing and releasing hydrogen as a main component, said alloy containing at least one kind of a metal element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Ti and V as a main constituent element, and said coat layer comprising a hydrous oxide (including a hydroxide) of a metal element having an affinity with oxygen which is greater than that of any of said metal elements as the main constituent element of said alloy.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal hydride alkaline storage cell includes a first step of preparing a negative electrode by applying a paste containing hydrogen absorbing alloy powder onto a substrate; and a second step of placing the negative electrode and a positive electrode into a cell can with disposing separator therebetween, and thereafter pouring an electrolyte into the cell can. Into the paste or the electrolyte, a catalytic metal compound that has a proportion of 0.1 to 2.5 wt. % based on the weight of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder and that is soluble in the electrolyte is added. Consequently, the catalytic action of the metal is fully utilized by this method that dots a catalytic metal or metal compound on the alloy surface, and thereby the inner pressure characteristic (high-rate charge characteristic) of a cell is improved.