Preparation of hydride-forming intermetallic films

Amorphous and polycrystalline films of hydride-forming intermetallic compounds (IMCs) have been prepared by vacuum deposition methods. Structure and composition have been investigated by XRD, XPS and by fluorescent X-ray spectroscopy. La-Ni, Pr-Ni and Ni-Zr films have been obtained on water-cooled Cu substrates by magnetron sputtering of intermetallic targets under an Ar atmosphere. Amorphous films with compositions corresponding to PrNi5 and LaNi5 (thickness ~ 5–10 μm) and films with different La:Ni ratios depending on substrate position with respect to the magnetron axis have been prepared. After exposure to air for some time, La2O3 and La(OH)3 surface layers were formed. Amorphous Ni-Zr films have been obtained by NiZr target sputtering. Surface segregation of ZrO2 is observed. The Ni concentration in these films is less than in the target, especially near the surface. Polycrystalline Ni-Zr and Mn-Ti films have been obtained by a vacuum deposition -diffusion method (magnetron sputtering and electron beam evaporation of Zr and Mn using Ni and Ti substrates followed by annealing in a vacuum at 573–973 K). Using these methods, amorphous and crystalline films of hydride-forming IMCS can be produced on different supports such as granules, foils, powder, ribbons, etc.