IMMOBILIZED ALKALINE ZINC ANODE FOR RECHARGEABLE CELLS WITH IMPROVED CONDUCTIVITY AND CUMULATIVE CAPACITY

摘要

2112384 9300716 PCTABS00019 Immobilized alkaline zinc anode for rechargeable cells which comprises zinc particles, zinc oxide, alkaline electrolyte, gelling agent. These components are mixed together and they are formed to an anode mass with predetermined shape. A conductive fiber structure is admixed to the anode mass in an amount of at least 0.15 % weight consisting of fibers in the micron range with a length to diameter ratio between 1:100 and 1:1000 and a diameter of about 5 microns to about 20 microns. The fibers are made preferably of a non-conductive material such as polyimide and a conductive coating of copper, silver, gold or nickel is provided thereon. The fibers interconnect zinc particles and their capillary structure acts as an additional electrolyte reservoir. The increased conductivity decreases the drop in discharge capacity at higher cycle numbers. The alkaline zinc anode can be used at the first place in rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide-zinc cells.