Synergistic effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Al on the electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of Mg2Ni-type alloy prepared by mechanical alloying

Abstract Mg 2− x Al x Ni ( x  = 0, 0.25) electrode alloys with and without multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) under argon atmosphere at room temperature using a planetary high-energy ball mill. The microstructures of synthesized alloys are characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. XRD analysis results indicate that Al substitution results in the formation of AlNi-type solid solution that can interstitially dissolve hydrogen atoms. In contrast, the addition of MWCNTs hardly affects the XRD patterns. SEM observations show that after co-milling with 5 wt. % MWCNTs, the particle sizes of both Mg 2 Ni and Mg 1.75 Al 0.25 Ni milled alloys are decreased e…