Activation behavior of Zr0.7Ti0.3Cr0.3Mn0.3V0.4Ni alloy electrode modified by the hot-charging treatment

To improve the activation property of AB(2) type Zr0.7Ti0.3Cr0.3Mn0.3V0.4 alloy electrode, a new activation process called the hot-charging treatment has been developed. Alloy electrodes were immersed in KOH solution and charged simultaneously at various solution temperatures and charging current densities for various treatment times. It was found that the activation property and the rate capability of this alloy electrode ir;ere greatly improved after the hot-charging treatment, and furthermore the electrode treated at 80 degrees C and 50 mA g(-1) for 8 h was fully activated after the first cycle. The effects of this treatment have bren discussed on the basis of the results of surface analysis. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.