Effect of Co content on electrochemical hydrogen kinetics properties of single-phase BCC-type MgAlTiCo_xNi high entropy alloys used as a negative electrode in basic and acidic electrolyte

In this report, the effect of Co content on the electrochemical hydrogen storage reaction kinetic of MgAlTiCo_xNi (x = 1, 1.5 and 2) High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) as negative electrodes under basic (6 M KOH) and acidic (1 M H₂SO₄) electrolyte was studied. Empirical thermodynamic parameters were used to predict the formation of HEAs. The alloys were obtained after 8 h of high-energy ball-milling. The structural analysis showed the formation of a BCC structure and a reduction of the unit lattice with increasing Co content. At high temperatures, the structure changes from BCC-type to B2-type. The morphology and surface area of the MgAlTiCoNi, MgAlTiCo_1.5Ni, and MgAlTiCo₂Ni alloy powders are very similar. Electrochemical measurements show that alloys exposed to acidic solutions as negative electrodes exhibit higher discharge capacity and better electrochemical hydrogen storage kinetics properties. The increase in Co content in the alloys in both basic and acidic solutions reduced the discharge capacity. Furthermore, a high Co content in the electrodes exposed to an acidic electrolyte reduces the anticorrosion properties of the alloy. The MgAlTiCoNi HEA electrode achieved the best electrochemical performance with a discharge capacity of 465 mAh/g in an acidic electrolyte after a short galvanic charge (60 min). The concentration of Co in the HEAs revealed a direct relationship with the hydrogen diffusion rate, while the lattice parameter is associated with the discharge capacity.