Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell comprising an aqueous alkaline solution of electrolyte containing a hydrogen-releasing agent selected from the group consisting of NaBH4, KBH4, LiAlH4, KH and NaH, an oxygen electrode as a cathode and a hydrogen storage alloy electrode as an anode.

Abstract: An ion conductive, fibrous solid electrolyte having a high ion conductivity, a distinguished mechanical strength and a good processability is provided by making an ion conductive solid electrolyte fibrous and glassy and shaping the resulting fibrous glassy solid electrolyte alone or together with thermoplastic resin fibers, and the shaped product is used in a cell as a solid electrolyte layer.

Abstract: Vibration and shock resistance of alkaline batteries provided with a gel type negative electrode comprising a zinc alloy powder, a gelling agent and an alkaline electrolyte can be improved by using the following three gelling agents in combination in the gel type negative electrode, namely, a crosslinked polyacrylate type water-absorbing polymer having a dispersion viscosity at 25.degree. C. of at least 15,000 cps as a 0.5 wt % aqueous solution and having a particle size of mainly 100-900 microns, a crosslinked and branched type polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof having a dispersion viscosity at 25.degree. C. of at least 15,000 cps as a 0.5 wt % aqueous solution and having a particle size of mainly 100 microns or smaller, and a granular crosslinked and branched type polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof having a dispersion viscosity at 25.degree. C. of at least 15,000 cps as 0.5 wt % aqueous solution and having a particle size of mainly 100-900 microns.

Abstract: An alkaline gel electrolyte for an electrochemical cell is based on a polymeric binder of polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate. Potassium hydroxide and/or sodium hydroxide is blended into the polymeric binder or matrix, and the resulting solution is used to cast a film that is useful as a gel electrolyte. The hydroxide in the solution is between about 1% to 25% by weight, and the polymer concentration is between about 0.5% to 10% by weight. The resulting gel electrolyte film contains between 10 to 90% water by weight. A nickel or iron porphine modifier may be added in an amount between about 1 to 1000 parts per million. The alkaline gel electrolyte is useful in combination with asymmetric inorganic electrodes to make electrochemical cells, and can also function as a separator. Improved power density and higher cycle life is achieved with the gel electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell has an alkaline electrolyte comprising a stack placed in a container and composed of at least one anode and at least one cathode containing nickel hydroxide. An oxygen recombination system has at least one recombination electrode which is at least partially hydrophobic and has two opposite faces of large surface area. A first face is joined to the anode. The cell is characterized in that the recombination electrode is associated with a rigid structure which forms, in contact with the second face of the electrode, a nonreducible volume space of small width so as to allow oxygen access throughout the duration of use of the cell.

Abstract: A sulfur/aluminum battery in which an aluminum anode and an aqueous alkaline/polysulfide electrolytic solution are in direct contact. At high polysulfide concentrations, parasitic chemical reactions between the aluminum and sulfur are minimized, allowing for efficient oxidation of the aluminum anode, and resulting in a battery having high energy and power densities.

Abstract: Aqueous alkaline solid electrolyte comprising a polar polymer matrix which is solid at ambient temperature, and a compound or mixture of basic compounds selected from alkaline metal, alkaline-earth or ammonium hydroxides. Preferably, the matrix is a polyether homopolymer or copolymer of different ethers or polyethers. The invention also concerns electrodes and/or electrochemical generators containing such an alkaline polymer solid electrolyte.

Abstract: An ion conductor for electrochemical cells, comprising an alkali metal salt or a mixture of alkali metal salts, and mixed therewith on oligomer and/or polymer (hereinafter referred to simply as "polymers"), having at least one phosphazene base unit. The polymers are chemically stable with respect to the constituents of the ion conductor, and have an inorganic atom or an inorganic compound positioned at the phosphorous atom of at least one phosphazene base unit thereof. To form the ion conductor the alkali metal salts are heated to the melting temperature and the alkali metal salts, preferably fused to a low viscosity state, are admixed with the polymers which are dissolved in the alkali metal salt melt.

Abstract: The invention provides a scraper for removing deposits from a major surface of an electrode in an electrochemical bath. The scraper consists of a plate which moves across the electrode surface. The scraper is provided with a scraper blade-retaining slot along one of its edges, the slot being angled relative to the plane of the scraper with its opening extending towards the electrode surface. The scraper also has a scraper blade which is removable from inter-engagement with the slot. In use, the scraper removes deposits from a major surface of an electrode in an electro-chemical liquid-containing bath.

Abstract: A formation method of nickel electrode for secondary alkaline batteries which comprises charging nickel electrodes, discharging the nickel electrodes to an amount equal to their full capacity, overdischarging the nickel electrodes under the same conditions with the previous discharging step, assembling a cell with the nickel electrodes and zinc anodes and alternating the cell between charging and discharging. Property deviations among the obtained battery articles are much reduced, so that batteries can be manufactured with uniform properties. The overdischarge of the nickel electrodes ahead of the cell assembling prevents the separator from being oxidized by gas generation.

Abstract: The present invention consists in a rechargeable cell having an anode made from materials in which lithium can be inserted, a cathode and an electrolyte constituted by a solution of a lithium salt in a non-aqueous solvent. The material of said cathode includes at least one substance which is a yellow-green single-phase oxide of lithium and manganese with an orthorhombic crystal structure with the following lattice parameters: a=0.459.+-.0.004 nm, b=0.577.+-.0.004 nm and c=0.281.+-.0.003 nm and containing lithium ions in a molar ratio Li/Mn such that 0.85.ltoreq.Li/Mn.ltoreq.1.10. After a first charge said substance is discharged in two stages of which the higher is at a mean voltage greater than 3.5 volts relative to the lithium.

Abstract: A zinc negative electrode comprising a zinc active material, Ba(OH).sub.2 or Sr(OH).sub.2 and a conductive matrix including a metallic oxide which is more electropositive than zinc. The zinc negative electrode is incorporated into a zinc secondary battery having an electrolyte whose electrolyte constituent is a low percentage of the electrolyte. The zinc negative electrode is split into electrode assemblies separated by a porous hydrophobic element.

Abstract: An electrolyte system for use in an electrochemical cell such as a battery or capacitor, and which includes an aqueous electrolyte and a modifier species. The modifier should be adapted to act as a surfactant, as well as reduce oxidation of the electrode materials in the electrochemical cell. The aqueous electrolyte may be, for example, KOH, and the modifier species may be a porphine or porphine derivatives.

Abstract: An electrolyte system (40) for use in connection with an electrochemical cell (10). The cell (10) includes a positive (20) and a negative (30) electrode, and an electrolyte system (40) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system includes a polymer matrix fabricated of a polyacrylic acid or polyacrylic acid derivative polymeric material. The polymer material is adapted to engage in electroactive species. Examples of electroactive species may be either an acid or a base electrolyte, such as KOH or H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for power delivery employs an array of electrochemical cells which comprises an end +.sup.ve electrode and an end -.sup.ve electrode separated by one or more bipolar mid-electrodes each with a +.sup.ve side and a -.sup.ve side, the +.sup.ve side of each bipolar electrode comprising an electrically conductive substrate with a porous conductive surface. A bubbly dispersion of air/oxygen in an electrolyte is contacted with the +.sup.ve sides of the bipolar electrodes. The electrochemical apparatus of the invention may be used with an oxygen-sulfur couple with these reagents being provided for example as sodium salts in aqueous solutions, the overall reaction being:4H.sub.2 O+4S.sup.2- +2O.sub.2 .fwdarw.8OH.sup.- +4S,The process is preferably carried out in an array of cells (20), comprising a plurality of bipolar electrodes 13, each having a +.sup.ve side 12A and a -.sup.ve side 14A spaced from one another by membranes 16 which divide the cell into +.sup.ve and -.sup.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage and generation is accomplished using an electrolytic cell which employs an inert gas electrode, a rechargeable battery electrode having an active material which stores hydrogen or is close to the potential of hydrogen, and a sealed housing which houses the electrodes, a separator and an aqueous electrolyte and has a port for extracting hydrogen generated in the cell.

Abstract: There is provided an alkaline cell without mercury comprising zinc as a negative electrode active material and an electrolytic solution characterized in that a bismuth compound is added to the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to alkaline cells containing manganese dioxide cathode active material. A substance selected from the group of compounds CaWO.sub.4, MgTiO.sub.3, BaTiO.sub.3, CaTiO.sub.3, ZnMn.sub.2 O.sub.4, and Bi.sub.12 TiO.sub.20 is added to the cathode of conventional alkaline cells typically having an anode comprising zinc and cathode comprising manganese dioxide and an alkaline electrolyte. The additive increases the service life of the cell.

Abstract: An electrolyte-activated battery, particularly for generating electric energy for the propulsion of underwater systems, and presenting a reservoir, an electrochemical cell, and a system for forming and circulating the electrolyte between the reservoir and the electrochemical cell; the electrolyte forming and circulating system presenting an inlet conduit communicating with the outside environment, a circulating pump, a device for regulating the temperature of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrochemical cell, and a gas separator located at the outlet of the electrochemical cell and presenting a liquid phase outlet, and a gaseous phase outlet connected to an outlet conduit; the system also presenting a switching device for selectively connecting the liquid phase outlet to the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: An alkaline secondary battery is capable of inhibiting an increase of internal pressure in the charging/discharging cycles and extending life of charging/discharging cycles. This secondary battery comprises, a case, a paste-type positive electrode accommodated in the case and essentially consisting of a conductive substrate filled with a paste containing an active material and a binder, a negative electrode accommodated in the case, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an alkaline electrolyte accommodated in the case, wherein the binder in the positive electrode contains a copolymer consisting of a vinyl alcohol unit and a unit having COOX group, wherein X is an element selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is made with two asymmetric electrodes and a solid polymer electrolyte. The anode is made from materials such metal hydrides, metals, metal hydroxides or metal oxides. The cathode is made from metal hydrides, metals, metal hydroxides or metal oxides. A solid polymer electrolyte is in intimate contact with and situated between the anode and the cathode. The solid polymer electrolyte is made from a polymeric binder such as polyethylene oxide, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylamide, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), poly(2-vinylpyridine), poly(4-vinylpyridine) and polyethyleneimine. The polymeric binder has H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or H3PO4 dispersed within it.

Abstract: A metal hydride electrode, in which a metallic cobalt powder is mixed, within a mixing range of 3 to 20 weight percents, with a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder formed by substituting a part of Ni of alloy expressed by a rational formula of MmNi.sub.5 with Al and at least one kind of Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, and the mixed powder is loaded in a porous alkaline-proof metal body. An nickel electrode, in which a cobalt monoxide powder is mixed with an active material powder within a mixing range of 5 to 15 weight percents, the active material powder comprising zinc existing within a range of 2 to 8 weight percents, under a solid solution state in a crystal of nickel hydroxide powder assuming a spherical shape including an inner pore volume of 0.14 ml/g or less, and the mixed powder is loaded in a porous alkaline-proof metal body.

Abstract: An electrolyte-activated battery, particularly for generating electric energy for the propulsion of underwater systems, and presenting a reservoir, an electrochemical cell, and a system for forming and circulating the electrolyte between the reservoir and the electrochemical cell; the electrolyte forming and circulating system presenting an inlet conduit communicating with the outside environment, a circulating pump, a device for regulating the temperature of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrochemical cell, and a gas separator located at the outlet of the cell and presenting a liquid phase outlet connectable to the circulating pump, and a gaseous phase outlet connected to an outlet conduit; the inlet and outlet conduits presenting respective closure members facing and rigidly connected to each other so that they are subjected to the same but opposite hydrostatic pressures, and which are movable between a closed position and an open position wherein they are housed inside the respective conduits.

Abstract: A sulfide-based lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte having a high ion conductivity and a high decomposition voltage contains crosslinking oxygen ions and silicon ions combined with the crosslinking oxygen ions in a structure of ##STR1##

Abstract: An improved electrochemical cell is provided using a high surface area can electrodes as the negative electrode in an alkali metal hydroxide electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of manganese dioxide by a chemical process. The resulting manganese dioxide product takes the form of particles characterized by filament-like protrusions jutting out from its surface. The manganese dioxide particles having such surface features can be manufactured by reacting manganese sulfate with sodium peroxodisulfate in an aqueous solution. The process can be controlled to yield high density manganese dioxide. The manganese dioxide formed in the process can be deposited directly onto the surface of electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD). The manganese dioxide product is particularly suitable for use as a cathode active material in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A battery capable of producing high current densities with a high charge acity is described which includes an aluminum anode, a ferricyanide electrolyte and a second electrode capable of reducing ferricyanide electrolyte which is either dissolved in an alkaline solution or alkaline seawater solution. The performance of the battery is enhanced by high temperature and high electrolyte flow rates.

Abstract: A nickel positive electrode for use in alkaline storage batteries which is improved in the rate of utilization of the nickel hydroxide in a wide temperature range with an oxygen evolving overvoltage being increased by incorporating at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds of yttrium, indium, antimony, barium and beryllium, and at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds of cobalt and calcium into the nickel positive electrode (2), and a nickel-hydrogen storage battery using the same.

Abstract: Alkaline cells are substantially free of mercury, and employ a zinc anode gel, which gel has a which expansion of less than 25% after being discharged for 161 minutes to 15% depth of discharge at 2.88A.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a solid electrolyte containing a polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, a viscosifying agent, and a flame retardant, as well as electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.

Abstract: The performance characteristics of alkaline batteries are improved by applying a thin, polymeric coating to the inner surface of a positive current collector. The polymeric coating comprises, in combination, a first film forming binder component and a second component comprising an electrically conductive filler such as carbon. The coating reduces the internal resistance of a battery, and may even be used on unplated steel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nickel-hydride alkaline battery. In the battery, both negative and positive electrodes use an electrode plate with a net structure to solve the problems of high internal resistance, current collecting and heat releasing. The battery can be used practically as a starting and driving power for electric automobiles.

Abstract: A non-amalgamated zinc alloy powder for use in an alkaline cell which consists of elements selected from the following compositions (1) to (4);(1) 0.001 to 0.5% by weight of aluminum and 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth,(2) 0.001 to 0.5% by weight of aluminum, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth and indium in an amount greater than zero and up to 1.0% by weight,(3) 0.001 to 0.5% by weight of aluminum, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth and lithium in an amount greater than zero and up to 0.5% by weight,(4) 0.001 to 0.5% by weight of aluminum, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth, indium in an amount greater than zero and up to 1.0% by weight and calcium or lithium in an amount greater than zero and up to 0.5% by weight;and the balance being zinc and containing iron as an inevitably accidental impurity in an amount of not more than 1 ppm; and which can greatly suppress the evolution of hydrogen gas and maintain the discharge performance on a practical level:and a method to produce the same.

Abstract: A paste-type nickel electrode for an alkaline storage battery and an alkaline storage battery containing the electrode are described. In one embodiment, the paste-type nickel electrode contains a nickel filamentary powder electroconductive agent having a network of three-dimensional chain structures with an average diameter of equal to or less than about 1.3 .mu.m. When the paste-type nickel electrode is used as the positive electrode of an alkaline storage battery, a high capacity, long-life alkaline storage battery is obtained. In a second embodiment, an improved alkaline storage battery is obtained through the provision of a paste-type nickel positive electrode plate containing at least one of a Co powder and a CoO powder as an electroconductive agent and an alkaline electrolyte solution having an alkaline concentration of 35 wt. % or greater.

Abstract: Alkaline cells are substantially free of mercury, employ a zinc anode and do not exhibit leakage after discharge through an electrical resistor to 1.2 volts and then stored under storage conditions of 21.degree. C. for ninety days.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy particles comprising base particles consisting of hydrogen storage alloy particles and fine particles consisting of at least one of metals, alloys, hydrophobic resins, catalyst materials, metal oxides having a particle size smaller than that of the base particles where the fine particles are very firmly bonded to the base particles are employed as negative electrodes for alkaline storage batteries.

Abstract: Solid divalent silver oxide is reacted in hot aqueous alkaline reaction medium with a solid bismuth component and a reducing agent. The reaction product comprises a novel compound containing silver, bismuth, and oxygen, which is used in making cathode pellets for use in alkaline electrochemical cells. The cells exhibit low internal impedance and substantially single voltage discharge characteristic of monovalent silver oxide while retaining a significant portion of the coulombic capacity a of divalent silver cathode, without toxicity problems attendant cathodes containing lead and/or cadmium.

Abstract: A wettable battery separator for alkaline batteries is formed of a microporous plastic sheet selected from porous films, fabrics and papers. The separator is impregnated with a resin which has one or more carboxyl groups which have been neutralized by a base so as to form a salt. The resin is present in an amount from about 0.0001 to 3% by weight of the separator. Alkali resistant fillers may also be included.

Abstract: A non-pollution zinc-alkaline battery excellent in storage stability can be obtained by using, in formulation for negative electrode, a zinc alloy which contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lithium, calcium and aluminum which is free from mercury, lead, cadmium, indium and thallium is used as an active material and yttrium hydroxide or yttrium oxide optimized in a starting material therefor, particle size and weight loss on heat decomposition as an inorganic inhibitor. The storage stability of the battery can be further improved by adding to the above formulation for a negative electrode a proper amount of a surfactant having a polyethylene oxide group in hydrophilic group and a perfluoroalkyl group in oleophilic group as an organic inhibitor.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a negative zinc electrode for an alkaline storage battery, comprising an electrode using zinc as an active material and a polymer layer which is substantially in direct contact with the electrode, the polymer layer containing at least a polymer having a crosslinked structure. There is also provided an alkaline storage battery using such negative zinc electrode and in which the occurrence of dendrites and shape change is suppressed.

Abstract: Alkaline zinc cells employing a brass anode current collection and little or no mercury and wherein a specific phosphate ester is added, preferably to the anode, to reduce gassing attributed to the brass anode current collector.

Abstract: A gel form negative electrode of an alkaline battery is produced without mercury and enables uniform dispersion of zinc or zinc alloy powder and an effective metal which can be one or more of an oxide or hydroxide of indium, lead, gallium, bismuth. The zinc or zinc alloy powder and the effective metal are drymixed in advance of mixing with a gel form alkaline electrolyte. In order to obtain satisfactorily high vibration strength and impact resistance, fiber material can be added to the gel form negative electrode. The fiber material may be selected among rayon, vinylon, acryl, vinyon, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, mercerized pulp, linter pulp.

Abstract: A rechargeable aqueous electrolyte lithium-hydrogen ion battery. The electrodes of the lithium-hydrogen battery electrode are formed from materials which reversibly intercalate both lithium and hydrogen ions. These materials can be represented by the general formula Li.sub.x H.sub.y (HOST), wherein HOST represents intercalation host matrices for said electrodes into which guest Li and H ions can be inserted, and x and y are the intercalation stoichiometries of lithium and hydrogen, respectively. Preferably, the intercalation host matrices of the electrodes are chosen from the group consisting of NiO.sub.2, CoO.sub.2, Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4, MnO.sub.2, VO.sub.2, V.sub.2 O.sub.5, TiS.sub.2, MoS.sub.2, MoO.sub.2, WO.sub.3, graphite, and electrochemical hydrogen storage metal alloy materials. Particularly useful combinations of host matrices are Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 with VO.sub.2 or an electrochemical hydrogen storage metal alloy material and NiO.sub.

Abstract: A rectangular nickel-metal hydride secondary cell permits improving the air-tightness and also permits preventing a metal case from being deformed in the step of folding an open end portion of the metal case.

Abstract: A storage battery cell based on the principle of the oxygen cycle, having a block-shaped, gastightly sealed cell housing in which the rectangular electrode plates of different polarity are stacked. The electrode plates are electrically connected via current collector lugs to positive and negative terminal pillars of corresponding polarity passed through the wall of the same housing side. In order to achieve a longer service life of the cell, the electrode plates are arranged in parallel with the housing wall of the terminal pillars and are enclosed in an equidistant manner on all four peripheral sides of the electrode plates by the walls of the cell housing. All the electrode plates have in each case a central hole on whose inner edge the current collector lugs are mounted, the current collector lugs being routed elastically in the duct formed by the central holes to the terminal pillars of the corresponding polarity.

Abstract: Alkaline cells are substantially free of mercury, employ a zinc anode and do not exhibit leakage after discharge through an electrical resistor to 1.2 volts and then stored under storage conditions of 21.degree. C. for ninety days.

Abstract: A method for producing a gel form negative electrode of an alkaline battery while avoiding use of mercury enables uniform dispersion of zinc or zinc alloy powder and an effective metal which can be one or more of an oxide or hydroxide of indium, lead, gallium, bismuth, by stirring for a substantially reduced period. The method employs dry mixing of the zinc or zinc alloy powder and the effective metal in advance of mixing with a gel form alkaline electrolyte. Also, in order to obtain satisfactorily high vibration strength and impact resistance, fiber material can be added to the gel form negative electrode. The fiber material may be selected among rayon, vinylon, acryl, vinyon, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, mercerized pulp, linter pulp.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkaline storage battery, in which the negative electrode is constituted by a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of absorbing/desorbing hydrogen electrochemically, and a hydrophobic material is provided in the space between the surface of the negative electrode and the separator while a hydrophilic material is provided in the inside of the negative electrode, thereby properly secure both wetting property and surface hydrophobic property of the negative electrode against the alkaline electrolytic solution. Accordingly, a hydrogen gas generated in charging the battery can be absorbed by a vapor phase reaction in the hydrophobic portion in the surface of the negative electrode which is exposed to the vapor phase and can be absorbed electrochemically in the portion of the negative electrode which is wetted by the electrolytic solution, so that the inner pressure of the battery can be reduced to thereby make it possible to perform quick charging.

Abstract: This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefore. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space allotted for it within the cell, with a light accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or crosswise expansion or growth of button-type cells.

Abstract: A separator for an alkaline storage cell comprises: two sheets of felt (10, 20) made of polypropylene, polyamide, or polyethylene, and having a thickness lying in the range 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm; and an intermediate sheet (4) that is plane, microporous, and made of a sintered material selected from polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene. The thickness of said microporous sheet lies in the range 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm; the diameter of its pores lies in the range 10 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m, and its weight lies in the range 100 g/cm.sup.2 to 400 g/cm.sup.2.