ELECTROCHEMICAL AND SURFACE-PROPERTIES OF THE ZR(V0.2MN0.2NI0.6)(2.4) ALLOY ELECTRODE

In order to further improve the electrocatalytic activity and activation behaviour of the Zr(V0.2Mn0.2Ni0.6)(2.4) alloy electrode, the alloy powder surface was treated by HF acid solution and the electrochemical properties of both electrodes were measured. It was found that the surface treatment by HF acid solution was significantly effective on improving the electrocatalytic activity and activation behaviour of the alloy electrode by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The surface properties of the untreated and treated alloy powders were investigated by scanning electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effected factors on the electrocatalytic activity such as the chemical state and composition of alloy powder surfaces before and after treatment by HF acid solution were discussed. Additionally, the crystallographic characterization and the hydrogen storage performance of the alloy were also examined.