ATL>Structural and electrochemical characterization of fluorinated AB2-type Laves phase alloys obtained by different pulverization methods.

In order to enhance the effect of fluorination treatment (F-treatment) on charge–discharge characteristics of AB2-type Laves phase alloys, three pulverization methods were applied for the F-treated alloys; e.g. hydriding–dehydriding, dry ball-milling and wet ball-milling. As a result, it was found that the F-treated alloy powder obtained by the wet ball-milling had smaller particle size and larger specific surface area than those obtained by the other two methods. The F-treated alloy electrode prepared from the alloy powder obtained by the wet ball-milling showed good initial activation, high-rate dischargeability and relatively high discharge capacity. These results indicate that the wet ball-milling is a very effective pulverization method in enhancing the effect of the F-treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]