Papers by Author: Young Hee Cho

Abstract: Magnesium based hydrogen storage materials were prepared by a conventional melting and casting technique. Characterisation of microstructure and hydrogen sorption properties of the alloys was carried out. Additions of Al, Cu and Ni lead to the formation of eutectic mixtures, Mg-Mg17Al12, Mg-Mg2Cu and Mg-Mg2Ni, respectively, with an inter-lamellar spacing of a few hundred nanometers. 3d and 4d transition metals were also added to Mg based alloys and were found to form intermetallic compounds that were homogeneously dispersed in the alloys. The dehydrogenation rate of the Mg alloys was quantitatively analysed in order to determine the rate-limiting step for the hydrogen desorption kinetics. The catalysing role of each intermetallic compound for the hydrogen desorption kinetics is further discussed.

Abstract: Pb-free solders based on near-eutectic Sn-0.7Cu-xNi alloys provide excellent solderability during wave soldering with cost advantages compared to Ag-containing alternatives. However, there is only limited knowledge of the solidification mechanisms in this alloy system and, furthermore, the ternary Sn-Cu-Ni phase diagram is not yet fully established. In this study, unidirectional solidification has been conducted in a Bridgman furnace using both binary alloys from the Sn-Cu6Sn5 system and ternary Sn-rich Sn-Cu-Ni alloys. The influence of Ni additions on the solidification mechanisms is assessed by comparing the microstructures of the ternary and binary alloys. The results are used to discuss the contrasting Sn-Cu-Ni phase diagrams reported in the literature. The results demonstrate the complex phase relations in the Sn-Cu alloy system, and the important role of trace amounts of various solute elements.

Abstract: New Mg-10wt%Ni hydrogen storage alloys were fabricated by casting which is a very simple and cost effective production process. Alloying elements such as Nb and Ti, which have relatively high melting temperatures and very low solubility in solid Mg, were successfully dissolved into the liquid Mg-Ni alloy. The Mg-Mg2Ni alloys contain a well-refined lamellar eutectic microstructure after solidification with a large interfacial area between the Mg and Mg2Ni phases which provides for good hydrogen sorption properties. This is considered to be due to the high diffusivity of hydrogen along the interphase boundaries. Addition of transition metals such as Nb and Ti results in the formation of intermetallic phases with a size about 10-20μm during solidification. Furthermore, Ti was found to be strongly segregated to the eutectic Mg-Mg2Ni interface. In the presence of Nb and Ti, the hydrogen sorption kinetics of the Mg-Mg2Ni alloy is further improved. This suggests that the transition metals act as active catalysts that eases and accelerates the hydrogen diffusion during hydrogenation and dehydrogenation. In this paper, we present the hydrogen storage properties and their relationship to the microstructure of the cast Mg-10wt%Ni alloys. Detailed microstructural analysis was carried out in order to further understand the hydrogen diffusion and storage mechanisms.