Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gvvz8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T02:15:29.595Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Benefits of Rapid Solidification Processing of Modified LaNi5 Alloys by High Pressure Gas Atomization for Battery Applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

I. E. Anderson ,
V. K. Pecharsky ,
J. Ting ,
C. Witham  and
R. C. Bowman
I. E. Anderson
Affiliation:
Ames Laboratory (USDOE), Ames, IA 50011–3020, [email protected]
V. K. Pecharsky
Affiliation:
Ames Laboratory (USDOE), Ames, IA 50011–3020, [email protected]
J. Ting
Affiliation:
Ames Laboratory (USDOE), Ames, IA 50011–3020, [email protected]
C. Witham
Affiliation:
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109
R. C. Bowman
Affiliation:
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109
Get access

Abstract

A high pressure gas atomization approach to rapid solidification has been employed to investigate simplified processing of Sn modified LaNi5 powders that can be used for advanced Ni/metal hydride (Ni/MH) batteries. The current industrial practice involves casting large ingots followed by annealing and grinding and utilizes a complex and costly alloy design. This investigation is an attempt to produce powders for battery cathode fabrication that can be used in an as-atomized condition without annealing or grinding. Both Ar and He atomization gas were tried to investigate rapid solidification effects. Sn alloy additions were tested to promote subambient pressure absorption/desorption of hydrogen at ambient temperature. The resulting fine, spherical powders were subject to microstructural analysis, hydrogen gas cycling, and annealing experiments to evaluate suitability for Ni/MH battery applications. The results demonstrate that a brief anneal is required to homogenize the as-solidified microstructure of both Ar and He atomized powders and to achieve a suitable hydrogen absorption behavior. The Sn addition also appears to suppress cracking during hydrogen gas phase cycling in particles smaller than about 25μm. These results suggest that direct powder processing of a LaNi5−xSnx alloy has potential application in rechargeable Ni/MH batteries.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 496: Symposium Y – Materials For Electrochemical Energy Storage & Conversion II… , 1997 , 37
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1998

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Anonymous, “Bridging the R&D and Commercialization Gap,” Winter 1996 Newsletter, United States Automotive Battery Consortium (USABC), Troy, MI.Google Scholar
2. Sakai, T., Matsuoka, M., and Iwakura, C., in Handbook on the Physics and Chemistry of Rare Earths, edited by Gschneider, K.A. Jr and Eyring, L. (Elsevier Science B.V., 1995) v.21, p.133.Google Scholar
3. Ovshinsky, S. R. and Fetcenko, M.A., U. S. Patent No. 5 277 999 (January 11, 1994).Google Scholar
4. Anderson, I.E., Osborne, M.G. and Ellis, T.W., JOM, 48 (3), 38 (1996).10.1007/BF03222889Google Scholar
5. Luo, S., Luo, W., Clewley, J.D., Flanagan, T.B., and Wade, L.A., J. Alloys Comp. 231, 467 (1995).10.1016/0925-8388(95)01871-9Google Scholar
6. Bowman, R. C. Jr, Witham, C. K., Fultz, B., Ratnakumar, B. V., Ellis, T. W., and Anderson, I. E., J. Alloys Comp., 253–254, 613 (1997).10.1016/S0925-8388(96)02929-5Google Scholar
7. Anderson, E., Ting, J., Pecharsky, V. K., Witham, C., and Bowman, R. C., in Advances in Powder Metallurgy & Paniculate Materials-1997, edited by McKotch, R. A. and Webb, R. (MPIF, Princeton, NJ, 1997), Part 5, p.31.Google Scholar
8. Biner, S. B., J. Mater. Sci. (to be published).Google Scholar