Pasted nickel hydroxide electrode and additives for rechargeable alkaline batteries

摘要

A pasted positive nickel hydroxide electrode for use in battery cells (e.g., in nickel zinc cells, and nickel metal hydride cells) includes nickel hydroxide particles, a cobalt metal and/or cobalt compound and a sulfur-containing complexing agent capable of forming a complex with cobalt. The presence of the sulfur-containing complexing agent, such as dialkyldithiocarbamate (e.g., sodium diethyldithiocarbamate) improves lifetime and capacity utilization of the nickel electrode. The resulting pasted nickel hydroxide electrode includes a CoOOH conductive matrix after formation. The surface of the nickel hydroxide particles in the electrode is modified in some embodiments by providing a cobalt-containing coating onto the surface of the nickel hydroxide particles, followed by oxidation with a strong oxidizing agent. The complexing agent can be added before, after, or during the oxidation.

主权项

1. A battery cell comprising:
(a) a negative electrode; (b) a nickel hydroxide positive electrode comprising:
nickel hydroxide particles;cobalt metal and/or cobalt compound; anda sulfur-containing complexing agent capable of forming a complex with cobalt, wherein the sulfur-containing complexing agent is a dialkyldithiocarbamate; (c) a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and preventing electrical contact therebetween; and (d) an electrolyte in contact with the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the separator.