On the structural characterization of the rare-earth-metal-based alloys ReAl3, Re1-xRe′xAl3, ReNi5, ReNi5-xAlx and ReNixAl3-x

Abstract

Crystallographic characteristics are known to influence the hydrogen absorption (desorption) and storage characteristics of intermetallic alloys. The disordered and amorphous phases are of particular importance. There is evidence that these phases absorb significantly more hydrogen than their crystalline counterparts. The growth, synthesis and structural characterization of the rare-earth-metal-based alloys ReAl3, Re1-xRe′xAl3, ReNi5, ReNi5-xAlx and ReNixAl3-x (Re, Re′ rare earth) were investigated using both bulk and thin film samples. Extensive structural characterization revealed that the as-grown thin film phases are amorphous. The transformation from the amorphous to the crystalline phase leads to the formation of several modulated phases. The importance of the results in regard to the hydrogen storage characteristics is outlined. © 1982.