Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys

Abstract

Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys comprise a metallic magnesium (Mg) and a magnesium-containing intermetallic compound (Mg x M y wherein y is 1-x) and contain not less than 60 mass % of magnesium in total, and have a phase of a primarily crystallized magnesium-containing intermetallic compound in its solidification structure.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys comprising a metallic magnesium (Mg) and a magnesium-containing intermetallic compound (Mg x M y  wherein y is 1-x) and containing not less than 60 mass% of magnesium in total, and having a phase of an primary crystallized magnesium-containing intermetallic compound in its solidification structure.  
     
     
         2 . Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys according to  claim 1 , wherein an alloying element constituting the magnesium-containing intermetallic compound is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Ca, Co, Ni, Cu, Sr, Y, Pd, Sn, Ba and Ln (lanthanide elements).  
     
     
         3 . Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the alloys are initially activated at a temperature of not higher than 300° C. under a hydrogen pressure condition of not more than 3 MPa.