Synthesis of Intermetallic Compounds by Using Lithium Hudride

Intermetallic compounds of AB5 type are promising materials for M-H batteries. In this report we present the results about the influence of quality of interme tallic compounds prepared by a new method of synthesis on their electrochemical pr operties. The well-known intermetallic Ln1-xMxNi5-yMe y (Ln=La, Mm; M=Zr; Me=Mn, Ge, Sn, Al, Co+Sn, Co+Ge) compounds were synthe sized by using mixtures of oxides, chlorides and carbonates of metals by intera ction with lithium hydride at 700～1000 ℃. Prepared samples have the uniform mi crostructure with average dimension of particles about 20～30 μm. Electrochemical tests show that kinetic behaviour of compositions are satisfac tory under current up to 200 mA*g-1. These compositions require practical ly no activation and limiting values of the discharge capacity were reached at 2 ～3 cycle up to 300 mAh*g-1, which can be considered as most promising f or practice.