Effect of activating treatment on electrochemical properties of Co powders

The electrochemical hydrogen storage performance of Co powders was modified after the activating treatment by palladium chloride. The effects of activating treatment on electrochemical properties of Co powders were investigated by using charge and discharge testing and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The discharge capacity and cycling stability of Co were improved after the treatment. The maximum discharge capacity of the activated Co was 405.1 mAh/g, while the capacity of the original Co was 357.2 mAh/g. The cycling capacity retention rate S₅₀ increases from 55.2% to 66.7% after the activating treatment. Furthermore, the activating treatment contributes to a decrease in charge-transfer resistance, thus leading to a significant improvement in high rate dischargeability (HRD).