Spray pyrolysis as a method for preparing PbO coatings amenable to use in lead-acid batteries

Lead(II) oxide thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis of aqueous solutions of Pb(CH3COO)2·2H2O and deposited onto a lead substrate. A homogeneous coating was obtained at 260 °C that consisted of well-crystallized α-PbO. Following soaking and curing, the oxide became a phase mixture the main component of which was PbO·PbSO4. The electroformation of the cured plate produces dense agglomerates of small β-PbO2 particles accompanied by unreacted α-PbO. Preliminary electrochemical tests of the cell revealed a progressive decrease in polarization during charging in the first few cycles probably associated to improved adherence of active particles to the substrate. The cell was found to maintain a discharge capacity of ca. 100 A h/kg (40% of the theoretical value) upon extensive cycling.