Effects of dispersant on performance of Ni-Zn batteries

Abstract

A new additive of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) was introduced to the paste of zinc electrode, with the purpose of preventing the zinc active materials from agglomerating and improving the stability of batteries. The properties of the zinc electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), constant current charge/discharge measurement, self-discharge test and hydrogen collection experiment. The photographs of zinc electrode show that SHMP can significantly break up the agglomeration, uniformize the particle distribution and increase the surface area, which are advantageous to improve the electrochemical performance of zinc electrode. The experimental battery shows a 97 times cycling life and a 30.2% remaining capacity after 4 d storage. The hydrogen collection experimental results indicate that the SHMP can decrease the ratio of hydrogen evolution. Therefore, the corrosion of zinc electrode is suppressed and the charge/discharge efficiency is enhanced.

Keywords

sodium hexametaphosphate / zinc electrode / Ni-Zn battery / uniformity