Development of new composite materials for hydrogen storage. the AB ₅ type hydride alloy with silica glass support

Use of the spill-over effect to enhance catalytic activity and the amount of absorbed hydrogen in a new composite material is reported. An AB₅ lanthanum nickel alloy with a small number of additives serves as the catalyst and the bulk material for hydrogen storage and a silica glass powder with a developed surface serves as the support material. The amount of absorbed hydrogen in the alloy and composite is determined from thermo-gravimetric data. Structural changes in the developed composite during hydrogenation are found to confirm the synergy between the alloy and the support material.