Abstract
This paper reviews the present performances ofintermetallic compound families as materials for negativeelectrodes of rechargeable Ni/MH batteries. The performanceof the metal-hydride electrode is determined by both thekinetics of the processes occurring at the metal/solutioninterface and the rate of hydrogen diffusion within the bulkof the alloy. Thermodynamic and electrochemical propertiesfor each hydride compound family will be reported. The stepsof hydrogen absorption/desorption such as charge-transferand hydrogen diffusion for evaluating the electrochemicalproperties of hydrogen storage alloys are discussed. Exchangecurrent density (I 0) and hydrogen diffusion coefficient (DH)are the two most important parameters for evaluating theelectrochemical properties of metal hydride electrode. Thevalues of the two parameters for a number of hydrogen storagealloys are compared. The relationship between alloycomposition and electrochemical properties is noted andevaluated.