Activation process in hydrogen storage related to oxide layers formed on zirconium alloys

The passive behavior of ZrNi alloys near the rest potential is studied through in situ voltammetry, ellipsometry, and microscopic observation. A significant oxide layer growth is observed in aqueous 1 M KOH during the application of different potential programs currently used in the activation processes of the alloy. Oxide barrier effects and occlusion of hydrogen species within the film take place. The kinetics of the oxide layer formation under potential cycling plays a significant role in the activation process of metal alloys used in metal hydride batteries.Dedicated to Professor Gyorgy Horanyi on the occasion of his 70th birthday.