Reliable fast recharge of nickel metal hydride cells

A reliable fast charge technique based on a pressure-controlled approach for nickel metal hydride batteries will be discussed here. We found that pressure control is the most direct and effective method in termination for fast charging the batteries without significantly involving gas evolution and recombination reactions that often cause other side effects and degradation of the batteries. The limiting mechanism of the battery charge process at high rates is also discussed. Our analysis suggested that improvement of solid-state diffusion of hydrogen in the metal hydride electrode could enhance rechargeability of the battery under high rates.