Characteristics of hydrogen storage alloy electrode with cupric oxide additive

Cupric oxide was used as a novel additive for the hydrogen storage alloy electrode in nickel metal hydride batteries. The influence of the cupric oxide on the discharge storage capacity (DSP) of the hydrogen storage alloy electrode was studied and the electrochemical properties of the electrode were investigated. The cupric oxide was verified to reduce to copper in the first charge and stably existed on the alloy surface in the following cycles. And the hydrogen storage alloy electrode with cupric oxide exhibited better high rate discharge capability and longer cycle life compared with the blank one. The cupric oxide greatly decreases the weight and volume of the hydrogen storage alloy electrode, and make it better meet the requirement as power sources for electric and hybrid vehicles.