Electrode Materials Based on LaMgNi4–x Co x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Alloys

The LaMgNi4–xCox (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, 1) alloys are prepared by sintering and prolonged heat treatment at 500°C, with the main cubic phase of MgCu4Sn type. The alloy samples ball-milled in an argon atmosphere show the glass-forming ability. Electrochemical experiments of the LaMgNi4–xCox electrodes are performed at charge and discharge current densities of 100 mAh. The maximum discharge capacity is exhibited by the powdered alloys (218–302 mAh/g) compared to the ball-milled ones (92–134 mAh/g). The cobalt content of the LaMgNi4–xCox alloys influences the electrode characteristics. The highest discharge capacity is shown by the powdered alloy with x = 0.33. The ball-milled alloys have slightly higher cyclic stability.