Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal hydride alkaline storage cell includes a first step of preparing a negative electrode by applying a paste containing hydrogen absorbing alloy powder onto a substrate; and a second step of placing the negative electrode and a positive electrode into a cell can with disposing separator therebetween, and thereafter pouring an electrolyte into the cell can. Into the paste or the electrolyte, a catalytic metal compound that has a proportion of 0.1 to 2.5 wt. % based on the weight of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder and that is soluble in the electrolyte is added. Consequently, the catalytic action of the metal is fully utilized by this method that dots a catalytic metal or metal compound on the alloy surface, and thereby the inner pressure characteristic (high-rate charge characteristic) of a cell is improved.

Abstract: An electrode and a method of manufacturing an electrode with a capacity to store hydrogen, has a metallic substrate material to which an active compound is applied. The active compound is obtainable from a paste which comprises a dry fraction and a liquid fraction. The dry fraction comprises a mixture of a pulverulent storage alloy for hydrogen, soot and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the particles of the storage alloy being covered with PTFE in the manner of fibrils; and the liquid fraction comprising a mixture of water and a higher alcohol which has from 3 to 6 C atoms.

Abstract: The bipolar electrochemical battery of the invention comprises: a stack of at least two electrochemical cells electrically arranged in series with the positive face of each cell contacting the negative face of an adjacent cell, wherein each of the cells comprises (a) a negative electrode; (b) a positive electrode; (c) a separator between the electrodes, wherein the separator includes an electrolyte; (d) a first electrically conductive lamination comprising a first inner metal layer and a first polymeric outer layer, said first polymeric outer layer having at least one perforation therein to expose the first inner metal layer, said first electrically conductive lamination being in electrical contact with the outer face of the negative electrode; and (e) a second electrically conductive lamination comprising a second inner metal layer and a second polymeric outer layer, said second polymeric outer layer having at least one perforation therein to expose the second inner metal layer, said second electrically c

Abstract: A composite hydrogen storage material including 1) an active material having hydrogen storage capacity; and 2) a catalytic material having greater catalytic activity toward the dissociation of molecular hydrogen and/or oxidation of hydrogen than that of said active material having hydrogen storage capacity. Also, a fuel cell employing anodes formed from the composite hydrogen storage material. The fuel cell has the ability to start up instantly and can accept recaptured energy such as that of regenerative braking by operating in reverse as an electrolyzer.

Abstract: A metal hydride alkaline storage cell of the present invention comprises a positive electrode, a separator impregnated with an electrolyte, and a negative electrode comprising hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder. On the surface of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder, there is formed a layer of hydrogen-absorbing alloy oxide, and on the layer of the oxide, there is dotted a catalytic metal or metal compound formed in a granular state by adding a substance soluble in the electrolyte. The substance is selected from the group consisting of a metal fluoride, a metal chloride, a metal iodide, and a metal sulfide. The proportion of the metal fluoride, the metal chloride, the metal iodide, or the metal sulfide in adding, is restricted within the range of from 0.1 to 2.5 wt. % based on the weight of hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder.

Abstract: A non-sintered nickel electrode for an alkaline storage battery, characterized in that nickel hydroxide particles as active material particles thereof contain a cobalt having a valence of 3 to 3.2 as a solid solution element. The nickel electrode has excellent charging capability.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to electrical engineering, and in particular to production of rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices of high specific power. Positive and negative electrodes for electrochemical energy storage device of high specific power according to the invention comprise active element interacting with aqueous alkaline electrolyte in the process of redox charge-discharge reactions made of electron-conductive electrolytic alloy having composition M(l-x-y)OxHy, where M for positive electrode is nickel or nickel-based alloy, M for negative electrode—a metal out of the group: iron, nickel, cobalt or an alloy on the basis of a metal out of this group, x is atomic fraction of absorbed oxygen in the electrolytic alloy being within the limits of 0.01?x?0.4, for positive electrode preferably in the limits of 0.05?x?0.4, y is atomic fraction of absorbed hydrogen in the electrolytic alloy being within the limits of 0.01?y?0.4, for negative electrode preferably in the limits of 0.05?y?0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a negative plate for nickel/metal hydride secondary batteries, including nickel strips bonded at upper edges and lower edges thereof, each having a plurality of perforations; and metal hydride in the form of powders held between the nickel strips. Also, a method of fabricating such a negative plate includes perforating each of collectors to have a plurality of perforations, filling powders of metal hydride between the collectors, and compressing the collectors having the powders the of metal hydride filled therebetween, so that the powders of metal hydride are contained between the collectors.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material is expressed by a composition formula, (Ca1-xAx)1-z(Si1-yBy)z, wherein “A” is at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal elements, alkaline-earth metal elements, rare-earth elements, the elements of groups 3 through 6, Ni, Au, In, Tl, Sn, Fe, Co, Cu and Ag; “B” is at least one member selected from the group consisting of the elements of groups 7 through 17, rare-earth elements, Hf and Be; 0≦x<1 by atomic ratio; 0≦y<1 by atomic ratio; and 0.38≦z<0.58 by atomic ratio. It is lightweight as well as less expensive. In principle, neither high-temperature nor high-pressure activation is required, because it exhibits a high initial activity. The operation temperature can be lowered and the hydrogen absorption content can be enlarged by controlling the kind and substitution proportion of the substituent elements appropriately.

Abstract: Electrically conductive filler such as carbon fibers, carbon particles, Ni fibers, Ni particles, Ni foil, Ni-plated fibers, or Ni-plated particles is added to an active material powder such as nickel hydroxide, which is formed into active material products. The active material is cured by using alkali-resistant resin. Thus, particulate active material for use in a three-dimensional battery is produced.

Abstract: An active material for a negative electrode used in an electrochemical cell comprising a highly active, high surface area hydrogen storage material alloy which provides for high power output, fast activation, increased cycle life, and a hydrogen precharge in-situ. The highly active, high surface area hydrogen storage material is formed by first forming an alloy of a hydrogen storage alloy and aluminum and leaching the aluminum out of the alloy.

Abstract: After coating a hydrogen absorbing alloy slurry obtained by kneading a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder 12a, a polyethylene oxide (PEO) powder as a binder 12b, and a suitable amount of water (a solvent for binder) to both surfaces of a metal core plate (active material holder) made of a punching metal, the core plate is dried. Then, after removing the active material layer 13 from the core plate 11 by a means such as cutting and the like, a definite amount of water (a solvent for binder) is sprayed to the cut surface (the exposed surface of the core plate 11) to attach the water to the cur surface followed by drying to provide a hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode 10, which is disposed at the outermost side of the electrode group.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material has a magnesium-containing intermetallic compound which can form a hydride with hydrogen. The intermetallic compound has an alloy of magnesium and a trivalent metal selected from the group of Sc, Y, La and the rare earth elements. The hydrogen storage material can further have a catalytically active material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for readily producing an anode for rechargeable batteries having conflicting properties in good balance, including the corrosion resistance and the activities such as the initial activity and the high rate discharge performance, and having excellent recyclability. The method includes the steps of mixing and molding anode materials containing an electrically conductive material and at least two kinds of AB5 type hydrogen storage alloys, wherein said alloys have substantially single phase structures and the same composition, wherein each of the alloys have an average crystal long axis diameter of 30 to 350 &mgr;m, and wherein the alloys have different ratios (D1/D2) of the average crystal long axis diameter (D1) to the average short axis diameter (D2).

Abstract: A negative electrode of a battery, chiefly includes hydrogen absorption alloy particles each having a surface layer. The alloy particles satisfy R2/R1≧0.004 and 5 &mgr;m≦R1≦20 &mgr;m, or preferably 5 &mgr;m≦R1≦12.5 &mgr;m, where R1 is a half of a median diameter of the particles and R2 is thickness of the surface layers.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a non-sintered electrode containing a two-dimensional conductive support covered by a layer containing an electrochemically active material and a binder which is a mixture of a styrene-acrylate copolymer and a cellulose compound chosen from methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose.

Abstract: A dispersion of fluorocarbon resin in single particle state comprising a mixture of a liquid solvent and fluorocarbon resin particles is sprayed or coated on both sides of a negative electrode mainly composed of a hydrogen absorbing alloy to form a fluorocarbon resin layer in single particle state on both sides of the negative electrode.

Abstract: A nickel-hydrogen secondary battery comprises a positive electrode (10) and a negative electrode (12) opposite each other with a separator (18) between, and contained in a container (14) with an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: A fuel cell usable as a small-sized secondary cell such as a button type cell and a fuel cell system including the fuel cells are provided. The fuel cell has a first electrode, an electrolyte membrane, a second electrode, and a hydrogen storing material. The electrolyte membrane has polyfullerene hydroxide as a proton conductor. When a negative voltage is applied to the first electrode and a positive electrode is applied to the second electrode, protons, electrons, and oxygen are generated from water at the second electrode, and hydrogen is generated from the electrons and the protons at the first electrode. The hydrogen thus generated is stored in the hydrogen storing material, thus performing so-called charging. At the time of power generation, protons and electrons are generated, at the first electrode, from hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storing material, and the generated protons are conducted to the second electrode via the electrolyte membrane and water is generated at the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-capacity sealed nickel-metal hydride storage battery superior in high-current discharge, without extending the injection time of an electrolyte. This battery includes an electrode group, a metal case for accommodating the electrode group, and a seal plate provided with a safety vent, for sealing an opening of the case, and the electrode group has a structure in which, round a non-sintered type cylindrical electrode of one polarity, a non-sintered type hollow cylindrical electrode of the other polarity and a non-sintered type hollow cylindrical electrode of the one polarity are layered alternately in the form of concentric circles with a separator between the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode substrate is formed by mechanically processing a nickel foil so as to be made three dimensional through the creation of concave and convex parts, and then, this substrate is filled with active material or the like so that an electrode is manufactured, wherein the above described concave and convex parts are rolling pressed so as to incline in one direction. Furthermore, an electrode for secondary battery is formed by using the above described method.

Abstract: A nickel metal hydride storage battery included a battery case, and a group of electrode plates arranged in the battery case, wherein the battery case includes a battery case main body having a hole and a lid for closing the hole. The battery case includes a first portion made of a metal or a laminate of a metal and a resin, and a second portion made of a resin; and an area of the first portion is 20% or more and 90% or less with respect to the entire battery case. Thus, a nickel metal hydride storage battery is capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen permeating the battery case and capable of suppressing the long-term deterioration.

Abstract: A sealed nickel-metal hydride storage cell includes a positive electrode containing nickel as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen-absorbing alloy as a negative electrode active material, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and an electrolyte immersing therein the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The negative electrode has a theoretical capacity larger than a theoretical capacity of the positive electrode so as to provide a charge reserve capacity when the positive electrode is in a fully charged state and to provide a discharge reserve capacity when the positive electrode is in a fully discharged state. A ratio of the charge reserve capacity to the discharge reserve capacity ranges from 1:0 to 1:0.5.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrode alloy powder is disclosed, wherein, to provide an electrode alloy powder capable of yielding an alkaline storage battery excellent in high-rate discharge property, self-discharge property and cycle life, a first step of immersing a starting powder comprising a hydrogen storage alloy containing 20 to 70 wt % of Ni in an aqueous solution containing 30 to 80 wt % of sodium hydroxide at a temperature of 90° C. or higher and a second step of washing with water the powder which has been subjected to the first step are conducted.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrodes operate through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times. The redox couple materials are modified to inhibit dissolution of the materials into the alkaline electrolyte of the fuel cell, and to match the gas phase kinetics of the active redox couple material with its electrochemical kinetics.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy containing at least a rare-earth element, magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al), having an intensity ratio (IA/IB) of not smaller than 0.6 (where IA represents an intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2&thgr;=30°˜34° in the X-ray diffraction pattern using CuK&agr;-radiation as the X-ray source and IB represents the intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2&thgr;=40°˜44°), and not substantially including La as the rare-earth element.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.

Abstract: A metal hydride alkaline storage cell of the present invention comprises a positive electrode, a separator impregnated with an electrolyte, and a negative electrode comprising hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder. On the surface of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder, there is formed a layer of hydrogen-absorbing alloy oxide, and on the layer of the oxide, there is dotted a catalytic metal or metal compound formed in a granular state by adding a substance soluble in the electrolyte. The substance is selected from the group consisting of a metal fluoride, a metal chloride, a metal iodide, and a metal sulfide. The proportion of the metal fluoride, the metal chloride, the metal iodide, or the metal sulfide in adding is restricted within the range of from 0.1 to 2.5 wt. % based on the weight of hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogen storage alloys, methods for producing the same, and anodes produced with such alloys for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries. The alloys are useful as electrode materials for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries, excellent, when used as anode materials, in corrosion resistance or activity such as initial activity and high rate discharge performance, of low cost compared to the conventional alloys with a higher Co content, and recyclable. The alloys are of a composition represented by the formula (1), and has a substantially single phase structure, and the crystals thereof have an average long axis diameter of 30 to 160 &mgr;m, or not smaller than 5 &mgr;m and smaller than 30 &mgr;m. The present anodes for rechargeable batteries contain at least one of these hydrogen storage alloys.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery having excellent self-discharge characteristics even after a number of charge-discharge cycles is provided. The alkaline storage battery is provided with a case and an electrode group enclosed in the case, and a separator that is included in the electrode group retains at least 15 mg/cm2 of an electrolyte at least in a period after assembling the battery, from the time the separator is impregnated with the electrolyte to the time the battery is activated.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery having a negative electrode made from a hydrogen absorbing alloy represented by the formula Ln1-xMgxNiy-aMa (where Ln is at least one element selected from rare earth elements, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ga, Zn, Sn, In, Cu, Si and P, 0.05≦x<0.20, 2.8≦y≦3.9 and 0.10≦a≦0.50) and carbon as a conductive agent, a positive electrode of nickel hydroxide as an active material, and an alkaline electrolyte, and the alkaline storage battery contains not greater than 0.01 weight % of hydrogen or not greater than 0.13 weight % of water in the hydrogen absorbing alloy when the battery is activated and is discharged to 1.0 V at one hour rate (It).

Abstract: An electrode group fabricated by spirally winding a positive plate and a negative plate with a separator interposed between them is housed in a metal case. An upper opening of the metal case is hermetically sealed with a gasket. One side edge along the longitudinal direction of the negative plate projects out downward of the electrode plate and is joined to the bottom of the metal case while the side edge along the longitudinal direction of the positive plate projects out upward of the electrode group and is joined to the lower surface of a sealing plate. A metal current collector having a cap-shaped terminal for joining the positive electrode side and the lower surface of the sealing plate and for collecting current is welded to the protrusion of the positive plate, and the metal current collector having a cap-shaped terminal is provided with a gas venting mechanism.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy which is excellent in stability in an aqueous solution and in mechanical pulverizability is disclosed. This hydrogen-absorbing alloy contains an alloy represented by the following general formula (I): Mg2M1y  (I) wherein M1 is at least one element selected (excluding Mg, elements which are capable of causing an exothermic reaction with hydrogen, Al and B) from elements which are incapable of causing an exothermic reaction with hydrogen; and y is defined as 1<y≦1.5.

Abstract: A nickel metal hydride storage battery which includes a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide as a active material, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy which contains aluminum, a separator and an alkaline electrolyte, wherein a complex-forming agent which forms a complex with aluminum is included in the negative electrode.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus for using catalyst-coated hollow microspheres to produce gases, store them, and to make them available for later use. The apparatus uses catalyst-coated hollow microspheres in reversible electrochemical processes and reactions, such as those used in conjunction with water dissociation, fuel cells, and rechargeable batteries. The apparatus can be used to manufacture and store hydrogen and or oxygen and to make them available for subsequent use as raw materials for use in electrochemical and chemical reactions or as a fuel and or oxidizer for a combustion engine. The apparatus can be used as a hydrogen-oxygen hermetically seal secondary battery. The apparatus can be used as a hydrogen storage portion of certain types of secondary batteries. Hydrogen and oxygen can be stored within hollow microspheres at moderate temperature and pressure, eliminating the need for expensive storage and handling equipment, and increasing the mobility of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery which is excellent in charge and discharge cycle life characteristics and high-rate discharge characteristics is provided by constructing it using an electrode made of an MmNi type hydrogen-absorbing alloy powders having modified surface. The alkaline storage battery comprises a negative electrode made using a hydrogen-absorbing alloy in the form of powders comprising at least one rare earth element, nickel and at least one transition metal in which the surface portion of the alloy has nickel in metallic state exposed at the surface, pores positioned between the nickel and the nickel, and a nickel-rich layer present on the alloy surface contacting with the pores, a positive electrode made using a metal oxide, a separator, and an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having electrodes that are arranged in a zigzag configuration with folds and creases. Additional electrodes may be inserted within the folds of the zigzag configuration. Preferably, the electrochemical cell is a prismatic cell.

Abstract: A low temperature hydrogen storage alloy which is not pyrophoric upon exposure to ambient atmosphere, particularly even after hydrogen charge/discharge cycling.

Abstract: A rechargeable multi-cell battery including a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each of the cells includes a gas port that allows passage of cell gases into and out of the cell but prevent passage of cell electrolyte out of the cell. The gas port may be a gas permeable membrane. The multi-cell batter may be a bipolar battery.

Abstract: A fluorinated carbon based gas diffusion layer for use in hydrogen and oxygen electrodes. The fluorinated carbon based gas diffusion layer provides for uniform distribution of hydrogen or oxygen across the electrode while maintaining a high level of hydrophobicity within the gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A multiple layered hydrogen electrode with a carbon based gas diffusion layer and an active material layer. The carbon based gas diffusion layer uniformly distributes hydrogen across the electrode while maintaining hydrophobicity within the gas diffusion layer. The design of the hydrogen electrode provides stability and promotes hydrogen dissociation and absorption within the hydrogen electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen-storing carbonaceous material obtained by heating a carbonaceous material at more than 50° C. under the atmosphere of reducing gas, a hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material obtained by hydrogen storage in the carbonaceous material heated at more than 50° C. under the atmosphere of reducing gas, and a battery or a fuel cell using the hydrogen-stored carbonaceous material.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.

Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen-absorbing alloy comprising, as a principal phase, at least one kind of phase selected from the group consisting of a first phase having a hexagonal crystal system (excluding a phase having a CaCu5 type crystal structure) and a second phase having a rhombohedral crystal system, the hydrogen-absorbing alloy having a composition represented by the following general formula (1): R1-a-bMgaTbNiZ-X-Y-&agr;M1XM2YMn&agr;  (1) wherein R is at least one kind of element selected from rare earth elements (which include Y), T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Ti, Zr and Hf, M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co and Fe, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, Zn, Sn, Cu, Si, B, Nb, W, Mo, V, Cr, Ta, Li, P and S, and the atomic ratios of a, b, X, Y, &agr; and Z are respectively a number satisfying the conditions of: 0.15≦a≦0.37, 0≦b≦0.3, 0≦X≦1.3, 0≦Y≦0.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alkaline storage battery excellent in high-rate charge and discharge characteristics, and a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode suitable for the battery and a method for producing the same. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy is preferably produced by wet grinding in water a hydrogen-absorbing alloy having at least one rare earth element, nickel and at least one transition metal element, treating the resulting alloy powders in an aqueous alkali solution, and then consecutively treating the powders in an acidic aqueous solution. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy powders have a structure of a nickel-condensed layer being exposed and have many pores.

Abstract: There is provided a metal hydride negative electrode having excellent discharge characteristics at the beginning of a charge and discharge cycle, excellent gas absorptivity during charge, and an excellent cycle life, and a method for producing the same without the need of any complicated producing processes. The metal hydride negative electrode (1) is used for a nickel hydride cell, and comprises a substrate (2) and a negative electrode plate (3) which is formed by applying a hydrogen absorbing alloy composition containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, a conductive material, a binder and a dispersing agent on the substrate, wherein the negative electrode plate has a surface portion (4) which has a predetermined water repellent rate and a plurality of convex portions.

Abstract: A battery comprising powdered active materials and capable of storing a large power, and equipment or device having the battery as parts of its structure, wherein an anode cell (2) of two vessels connected via an ion-passing separator (1) is filled with an anode powdered active material and an electrolytic solution (4), a cathode cell (3) is filled with a cathode powdered active material and an electrolytic solution (5) and conductive current collectors (6, 7) in contact with the powdered active materials are provided in the two vessels.

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (70) is disclosed having a housing divided by a hydrogen concentration cell (76) so as to define a first chamber (71) and a second chamber (72). A first mass of hydride material (84) is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material (85) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell. The housing first chamber (71) is tapered so that the housing easily pierces the ground upon impact from an elevated position.