Study On The Properties Of Zinc Electrode With High Power In Alkaline Solution

Silver-zinc battery is high power battery since it was developed in 1883.It has been used in military applications, because it has many advantages such as high export power, high specific energy, high specific power, even discharge potential and safety. However, the polarization of zinc electrodes increases in high current density, which leads discharge potential to decrease. At the same time, the heat produced during the battery discharge in high current density makes zinc dissolve quickly and gas produced more, which results in battery expansion, the rapid degradation in capacity and shorter cycle life.Aim at these questions, we carried out many studies. In this thesis, we investigated the effect of production technology of the zinc electrode, current collector and addition of the zinc electrode on the properties of the zinc electrode.At first, the effects of inhibitors, current collector, porous ratio, charge system and electrolyte on the pressed zinc powder electrodes were respectively studied. The results showed that ternary alloys (compound of In2O3, Ta2O5 and PbO) reduced self-corrosion of zinc and quantity of hydrogen, and hence, improved cycle performance of the zinc electrode. Therefore, ternary alloys may substitute mercury as a new inhibitor. Metal cut grid, as current collector, has advantages of less resistance, light weight and clinging strongly to active material. Zinc electrodes with 80% porous ratio performed very well in high rate discharge. Using the electrolyte of 1.40g/mL KOH solution could reduce heat produced, enhance discharge voltage and increase the discharge time of the battery. And the charge system of the high current density followed low current density then high current density could improve the discharge performance of the battery at a high rate. But the end charge voltage should be controlled.Secondly, the discharge performance at a high rate of zinc alloy electrodes prepared in alkaline electrolyte was investigated. The effects of inhibitors, current collector, porous ratio, charge system and temperature on the zinc alloy electrodes were respectively studied. The results showed that through add Pb in the zinc alloy,the sufface of the zinc can be changed.and the discharge volt is higher and the discharge time is longer than the power pressed battery.Above experiments were carried on in order to resolve the problems existed in practical production and application, so the results have practical value.