Effects of Ti Substitution by Zr on Microstructure and Hydrogen Storage Properties of Laves Phase AB2-Type Alloy

In order to improve the hydrogen storage properties of Laves phase AB2-type alloys, a series of Ti1−xZrxMn1.0Cr0.85Fe0.1 (x = 0.1–0.5) alloys were prepared by arc melting. The effects of Zr content on microstructure and hydrogen storage properties was investigated in detail. Crystal structure characterizations confirmed that all the alloys exhibit a single-phase C14 Laves structure, and the lattice parameters increase with increasing Zr content. The hydrogen storage measurements of the alloys indicate that with increasing Zr content, the hydrogen storage capacity initially increases and then decreases. The hydrogen absorption and desorption measurements of the alloys were performed by a Sieverts-type apparatus. Pressure–composition–temperature (P-C-T) tests at various temperatures showed that all the alloys display sloped plateaus. Increasing Zr content results in a gradual decrease in hydrogen absorption and desorption plateau pressures. Moreover, these alloys exhibit varying degrees of hysteresis, which also becomes more pronounced with a rise in Zr content. In summary, the Ti0.7Zr0.3Mn1.0Cr0.85Fe0.1 alloy demonstrates the best comprehensive hydrogen storage capacity. Further investigation on the cyclic performance of the Ti0.7Zr0.3Mn1.0Cr0.85Fe0.1 alloy was conducted. It was found that the alloy particles undergo significant pulverization after hydrogenation cycles, but the alloy maintained good phase structure stability and hydrogen storage performance.