Energy & electrochemical materials · Hydrogen-storage materials
LaNi5 hydrogen-storage alloy
An AB5 intermetallic that reversibly absorbs hydrogen near ambient conditions and underpins metal-hydride storage and nickel–metal-hydride battery research.
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01
Overview
- Material class
- Energy & electrochemical materials
- Category
- Hydrogen-storage materials
- Family
- Hydrogen-Storage Intermetallic
- Product forms
- Not specified
Composition
| Constituent | Min | Max | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La | 32 | |||
| Ni | 68 |
02
Properties and conditions
Engineering properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ~8.2 | g/cm³ | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Hydrogen capacity | ~1.3–1.5 | wt.% H | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Plateau pressure | composition dependent | bar | near ambient temperature |
| Cycle stability | good | when alloyed/activated | |
| Thermal conductivity | moderate | powder bed dependent |
Conditions
Reference electrode/material state
Composition, particle morphology, state of charge and test protocol must be stated.
03
Processing and use
Processing
- Activation and surface oxide control strongly affect first-cycle kinetics.
- Substitution with Co, Mn, Al or mischmetal tunes pressure and cycle life.
Applications
- Hydrogen storage beds
- NiMH electrode research
- Hydrogen purification
- Thermal compression
Selection considerations
- Low gravimetric capacity limits mobile storage despite excellent volumetric density.
- Powder decrepitation and heat transfer must be managed.
04
Standards and related materials
Standards and designations
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Research | LaNi5 / AB5 | composition family |
05
Sources and context
Sources
- DOE hydrogen-storage materials literatureExisting reference
- U.S. Department of Energy critical materials programStrategic reference
Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.
Supply and sustainability
Lanthanum and nickel inputs are commercially available but price and purity vary.
Hydride alloys can be recycled with battery streams; rare-earth/nickel recovery is technically feasible.
Strategic context
Reference hydrogen-storage alloy and precursor to commercial mischmetal–nickel battery alloys.
Critical inputs: Lanthanum, Nickel
Basis: EU Critical Raw Materials Act (2024); USGS 2025 Critical Minerals List; US DOE Critical Materials Assessment (2023)