Control of the hydrogen absorption and desorption of rare-earth intermetallic compounds

Abstract

The rate at which rare‐earth intermetallic compounds absorb and desorb hydrogen can be controlled by ’’poisoning’’ the catalytic reaction, H₂=2H. Specimens treated with SO₂, a well‐known catalytic ’’poison’’, are prevented from absorbing hydrogen for extended periods. More surprisingly, SO₂ treatment after hydriding prevents hydrogen desorption by specimens for weeks. The applications of this process to energy storage are numerous.