Preparation and electrode properties of new ternary alloys: REMgNi4 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd)

According to the elemental ratio of Nd:Mg:Ni = 1:1:4, NdMgNi 4 ternary alloy was synthesized by sintering pressed tablets of the powders milled for 6 h. The sintering conditions are: 673 K, 3 h → 873 K, 3 h → 973 K, 3 h. The XRD analysis shows that the REMgNi 4 (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) alloys are single component alloys, and that Mg 2 Ni exists during the process of formation of the alloys. The electrode properties of the REMgNi 4 alloys were measured by simulated battery test. It was found that the initial discharge capacity of Mg 2 Ni and LaMgNi 4 alloys milled for 50 h is about 400 mAh/g, but a good cycle life has been observed for the electrode of milled LaMgNi 4 alloy. As to REMgNi 4 alloys, a slightly increasing discharge capacity was observed in the following order: LaMgNi 4 > NdMgNi 4 > CeMgNi 4 > PrMgNi 4 .