Phase Transformation and Hydrogen Storage Properties of an La7.0Mg75.5Ni17.5 Hydrogen Storage Alloy

X-ray diffraction showed that an La7.0Mg75.5Ni17.5 alloy prepared via inductive melting was composed of an La2Mg17 phase, an LaMg2Ni phase, and an Mg2Ni phase. After the first hydrogen absorption/desorption process, the phases of the alloy turned into an La–H phase, an Mg phase, and an Mg2Ni phase. The enthalpy and entropy derived from the van’t Hoff equation for hydriding were −42.30 kJ·mol−1 and −69.76 J·K−1·mol−1, respectively. The hydride formed in the absorption step was less stable than MgH2 (−74.50 kJ·mol−1 and −132.3 J·K−1·mol−1) and Mg2NiH4 (−64.50 kJ·mol−1 and −123.1 J·K−1·mol−1). Differential thermal analysis showed that the initial hydrogen desorption temperature of its hydride was 531 K. Compared to Mg and Mg2Ni, La7.0Mg75.5Ni17.5 is a promising hydrogen storage material that demonstrates fast adsorption/desorption kinetics as a result of the formation of an La–H compound and the synergetic effect of multiphase.