Hydrogen absorption by Laves phase related BCC solid solution

We propose a new concept of hydrogen absorbing alloy, 'Laves phase related BCC solid solution'. It was first found among the phases formed in multicomponent nominal AB(2) alloys which consisted of Zr and Ti for the A metal site and 5A, 6A and 7A transition metals for the B metal sites. In these alloys a BCC solid solution often coexisted with a Laves phase. It showed stability of hydrides and reaction kinetics almost identical to intermetallics such as Laves phase alloys. We prepared an almost pure 'Laves phase related BCC solid solution' and found that it had a large hydrogen capacity (more than 2 mass%) and fast hydrogen absorption and desorption kinetics at ambient temperature and pressure. This new hydrogen absorbing alloy may open a new era of hydrogen related application such as hydrogen vehicles. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.