Development of advanced rechargeable Ni/MH and Ni/Zn batteries

In this paper, a review is given of new technologies designed to improve the performance of advanced Ni/MH and Ni/Zn batteries. The typical reaction process of the Zn electrode, and a special Zn electrode manufacturing process, provide useful methods for improving advanced Ni/Zn batteries. The reaction mechanism of the Zn electrode, which is related to the charge- and mass-transfer reactions, is different from that of the MH electrode and nickel hydroxide electrode. Thus, it is necessary to add wetting and binding materials in the pasted Zn electrode. The stability of the Zn electrode is dependent on these wetting and binding materials. A Zn electrode with a long cycle lifetime has been developed for an experimental Ni/Zn cell (1.2 A h). The experimental cell has been cycled over 120 times.