IMPROVED RECHARGEABLE BATTERY AND ELECTRODE USED THEREIN

摘要

A battery (10) utilizing a hydrogen rechargeable anode (16) of a disordered non-equilibrium multicomponent material including one or more element forming a host matrix and at least one modifier element incorporated therein. The anode (16) is capable of electrochemically absorbing hydrogen from an electrolyte (22) during application of a charging current thereto. The hydrogen is stored in the anode bulk until discharge is initiated, whereupon an electrical current is produced when the hydrogen is released. The battery (10) of the invention has attained high density energy storage, efficient reversibility, high electrical efficiency, bulk hydrogen storage without structural change or poisoning and hence long cycle life and deep discharge capability.