Abstract: A battery separator comprising an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene microporous membrane radiation grafted with a monomer, the separator having the following properties:(a) a porosity ranging from about 50% to about 95%,(b) an average pore size ranging from about 0.1 to about 20 microns,(c) an electrolytic resistance ranging from about 1 to about 50 m.OMEGA.-in.sup.2,(d) a maximum weight loss of 1% and a change in electrolytic resistance of no greater than 25% after immersion in an aqueous solution of 35% KOH and 5% KMnO.sub.4 at 50.degree. C. for 1 hour,(e) a tensile strength of from about 3.5 to about 5.5 lb/in in both length and width directions,(f) a KOH absorption ratio of from about 5 to about 30,(g) a Gurley air permeability of about 1 to 300 sec/10 ml, and(h) a thickness from about 0.5 mil to about 10 mil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to manufacture alkaline cells by applying electrically conductive paint on an inner wall area of cathode container which contacts with cathode molds, and by heating said cathode container itself by applying electromagnetic induction in order to dry and/or cure the paint and to form a uniform electrically conductive coating layer adhered firmly on the inner wall of said container. By employing this process, continuous production of alkaline cells having excellent and uniform load characteristics which deteriorate very little became possible.

Abstract: A non-amalgamated zinc alloy powder for use in an alkaline cell which consists of elements component selected from among the following combinations (1) to (3):(1) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of indium, not less than 0.005% by weight to less than 0.01% by weight of calcium,(2) not less than 0.005% by weight to less than 0.01% by weight of calcium, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth, 0 to 0.5% by weight of aluminium, and(3) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of lead, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of indium, 0 to less than 0.01% by weight of calcium, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of aluminium, the balance being zinc and containing 1 ppm or less of iron, and which can greatly suppress the evolution of hydrogen gas and maintain the discharge performance on a practical level, and the method to produce the same.

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 gallium hydroxide or gallium 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 a hydrophilic group and a perfluoroalkyl group in oleophilic group as an organic inhibitor.

Abstract: A method for reactivating and recovering electrolyte cells by drilling a hole through the battery case and injecting a volume of electrolyte liquid into the case for absorption into the cell separator material. The battery is subjected to multiple charge/discharge cycles while the cell opening remains unsealed, and is subjected to a final charge prior to sealing the drilled hole through the cell outer case.

Abstract: An alkaline electrochemical cell is disclosed which comprises a cathode subassembly, with a metal oxide cathode and collector means for collecting current from the cathode, a zinc anode, an electrolyte in contact with the zinc anode and a nonmetallic separator between the cathode and the anode. The collector means comprises a metal plated current collector additionally plated with a layer of palladium, rhodium or platinum. In one embodiment, the metal oxide cathode is a manganese dioxide cathode and the current collector comprises a nickel plated steel clip adapted for holding the metal oxide cathode which has been plated with an additional layer of palladium, rhodium or platinum on surfaces where the collector makes contact with the cathode.

Abstract: Cylindrical alkaline manganese dioxide-zinc cell with improved bottom sealing, where the cell comprises a coaxial assembly of a metal can closed at the bottom, a cylindrical cathode inserted in the can up to abutment at the bottom with an insulating member, a separator system in direct contact with internal surface of the cathode, a zinc anode arranged in the hollow interior of the separator system and insulated from the can, an alkaline electrolyte. The separator system extends up to the bottom end of the cathode, and a thermoplastic sealant is provided at the bottom edge zone of the separator system extending into said zone as a bead. The sealant impregnates the separator system at said edge zone.

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: A cadmium electrode for use in a rechargeable cell employing an alkaline electrolyte is disclosed. The electrode includes an electrically conductive substrate supporting an electrochemically active cadmium material. In addition, an effective amount of a nonionic, water soluble glycoside-based surfactant is added to retard cadmium agglomeration during operation of the electrode. Finally, a process for making such an electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen-occlusion electrode made of a hydrogen-occlusion alloy having the composition Mn Ni.sub.a Co.sub.b Al.sub.c, wherein 4.0 .ltoreq.a+b+c.ltoreq.5.5; 3.0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.4.5; 0.3 .ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1.3; 0.2.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.8; and Mm is a rare earth or mixtures thereof wherein lanthanum comprises at least about 70 wt.% thereof, and an alkaline storage battery having such an electrode as the negative electrode.

Abstract: The zinc powder for alkaline batteries having a residual lead content of less than 30 ppm, an indium content of from 10 to 10,000 ppm, and preferably from 100 to 1,000 ppm, a gallium content of from 0 to 1,000 ppm and a content of alkali and/or alkaline earth metals of up to 1,000 ppm additionally contains from 10 to 10,000 ppm, and preferably from 100 to 1,000 ppm, of bismuth.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery such as a sealed nickel-cadmium storage battery has an improved upper current collector tab welded to the terminal edge of a spirally wound electrode of a spirally coiled electrode assembly. The current collector tab comprises a current collecting tab and a lead tab. The current collecting tab is higher in electric resistance than the lead tab, so that the current collecting tab can easily be welded to the terminal edge of the electrode of the electrode assembly. The lead tab provides a low internal resistance to allow charging and discharging electric currents to flow easily for improved high-rate discharge performance of the battery.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells are comprised of a seal member that has a centrally located cylindrical hub joining a base, which base has a ventable diaphragm portion and a nonventable diaphragm portion, which hub has an end extending above the base and an end extending below the base, into which a current collector is inserted in an interference fit with the end extending above the base, which ventable diaphragm portion joins the hub at an interface forming an arc of between about 135 degrees and 250 degrees, and which interface is the thinnest portion of the base.

Abstract: A method of preparing a positive electrode active composition for use in an alkaline manganese cell comprising a negative electrode, a negative electrode active material, a positive electrode and a positive electrode composition inclusive of manganese dioxide as a positive electrode active material, an electrically conductive filler and low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene, wherein an amount of the low molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene powder ranges from 0.1% to 0.3% by weight based on the total weight of manganese dioxide and the electrically conductive filler, which cell has small internal resistance and good discharge performance.

Abstract: A slurry for use in metal-air batteries comprises an admixture of particulate porous zinc, an aqueous solution of at least one Group Ia metal hydroxide, an inorganic inhibitor ingredient effective to inhibit the interaction of porous zinc with the Group Ia metal hydroxide which would otherwise result in the evolution of hydrogen gas, a gelling agent, a particulate and/or fibrous filler, a labelling agent, and a dissolved electrolyte extender.

Abstract: A sintered bipolar battery plate (10) is made containing two porous electrodes and a central, non-porous, metallic cell separator-current collector sheet (12) where the positive electrode contains sintered particles (14) of elemental silver sintered into an expanded metal sheet (18) and the negative electrode contains sintered particles (16) of elemental iron sintered into an expanded metal sheet (18), where the positive and negative electrodes are sintered to a thin, porous, metallic connection layer (20) selected from at least one of nickel fiber or nickel powder, which is sintered to the current collector (12). This plate (10) can be placed in a case (22) containing alkali hydroxide electrolyte and having metal end plates (29) for electrical connections.

Abstract: Surface rich forms of magnesium hydroxide and/or basic magnesium salts, or titanium (IV) oxide, preferably with lye or an aqueous potassium carbonate solution in weight ratios of between about 1:0.5 and 1:2, or between about 1:1.5 and 1:4.5, respectively, produce pastes of a consistency ranging from nearly dry to wet. These pastes are used in producing alkaline primary and secondary elements with immobilized electrolytes and high operating capacities. The specific surfaces of the solids are preferably in the range of from 25 to 50 m.sup.2 /g (and higher). The paste electrlytes can be utilized in the temperature range of from -50.degree. C. to near the boiling point of the pure electrolyte, while exhibiting capacities which scarcely differ from those of an additive-free KOH electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a mercury-free zinc-alkaline battery giving no environmental pollution and having an excellent shelf stability which comprises a corrosion-resistant zinc alloy as an anode active material, an indium compound having appropriate properties, an aqueous alkaline solution as an electrolyte and optionally a fluorine-containing surfactant having the specified chemical structure. The indium compound is indium hydroxide or indium sulfide prepared by neutralizing an aqueous solution of an indium salt. The surfactant has a hydrophilic part of a polyethylene oxide and an oleophilic part of a fluoroalkyl group. The zinc alloy contains a proper amount of at least one of the group of indium, lead, bismuth, lithium, calcium and aluminum. The indium hydroxide or indium sulfide is present in an amount of 0.005 to 0.5 wt % and the surfactant in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 wt %, based on the weight of the zinc alloy, respectively.

Abstract: In rechargeable or primary electrochemical cells, hydrogen may evolve. The invention concerns the use of an auxiliary electrode material comprising manganese dioxide and a catalyst as the oxidant providing for the recombination of pressurized hydrogen, for example, the hydrogen being at pressures ranging from from substantially zero gauge pressure up to the relief pressure of the cell. The cell is a sealed cell having a manganese dioxide cathode, a zinc anode and aqueous electrolyte contacting both anode and cathode. The aqueous electrolyte may be alkaline or it may be ammonium chloride or zinc chloride, or mixtures thereof. The auxiliary electrode material, which may be mixed with the cathode material or be formed into a discrete auxiliary electrode, may optionally comprise a porous substrate, and in any event comprises MnO.sub.2 and a catalyst for the recombination of pressurized hydrogen with the MnO.sub.2.

Abstract: An electrically-powered vehicle wherein such vehicle is powered by storage batteries or fuel cells in which the plates of the batteries or cells, the spacing material between plates and the cases act as primary load-bearing members of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sealed rechargeable nickel-zinc or silver-zinc electrochemical cell including two compartments, one having a zinc electrode and a first hydrogen electrode and the other having a nickel or silver electrode and a second hydrogen electrode electrically connected to the first hydrogen electrode. The two compartments share a common gas space. During discharge the cell acts as a conventional nickel-zinc or silver-zinc electrochemical cell. During charging the gases evolved are immediately internally consumed, allowing the entire cell to be sealed. Furthermore, when the cell is fully charged there is a noticeable voltage jump which serves as a clear indication that the cell is fully charged and helps prevent overcharging and its detrimental effects.

Abstract: A zinc alkaline cell is formed by using an anode active material which contains a non-amalgamated zinc alloy powder having a bulk specific gravity ranging from approximately 2.90 to 3.50 (grams per cm.sup.3) and containing a predetermined amount of indium coated on a surface of the non-amalgamated zinc alloy powder containing a predetermined amount of lead and calcium or a predetermined amount of calcium and bismuth as a zinc alloy powder component, other than unavoidable impurities. The zinc alkali cell can achieve corrosive resistance and discharge performance as a cell and it is comparable with cells formed by using amalgamated zinc alloy powder which has been practically employed.

Abstract: A rechargeable alkaline storage cell comprising a positive electrode including an active material which mainly comprises nickel hydroxide added with zinc or a zinc compound. The cell further comprises a negative electrode and an alkaline electrolyte which mainly includes potassium hydroxide. The electrolyte also includes lithium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A reduced maintenance, vented nickel-cadmium storage cell comprising a set of positive electrodes, a set of negative electrodes in which the active mass is consolidated by a polymer, and separators constituted by at least one felt made of a substance selected from a polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, individually or mixed together, and without an additional membrane. The inter-electrode distance is in the range 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, the internal pressure is maintained in the range 0 bars to 0.7 bars, and the cell contains free electrolyte in such a manner as to present a charging characteristic when charging at constant voltage in the temperature range -30.degree. C. to +60.degree. C. that enables the end of charging to be detected because of the existence of a sudden rise in voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zinc-alkaline battery giving no environmental pollution and having an excellent shelf stability, which comprises a zinc alloy as an anode active material and an aqueous alkaline solution as an electrolyte, and manganese dioxide, silver oxide and oxygen as cathode active materials, the anode constituting the battery together with the cathode and the alkaline electrolyte being in a gel form and containing 0.001 to 0.1 wt % based on the weight of the zinc alloy of a surfactant as an organic inhibitor represented by the formula of(X)--C.sub.n F.sub.2n --(Y)--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.m --(Z)wherein X is --H or --F, Y is --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 --O--CH.sub.2 CH(OH)--CH.sub.2 O--, Z is --CH.sub.3, --PO.sub.3 W.sub.2 or --SO.sub.3 W, wherein W is an alkali metal, n is 4 to 14 and m is 20 to 100, and the zinc alloy consisting of 0.01 to 1 wt % of indium, 0.005 to 0.5 wt % of one or more of lead and bismuth and the balance of zinc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alkaline zinc cell that uses a conductive anode current collector comprising a conductive substrate, such as a copper-zinc alloy substrate, and wherein the surface of the substrate is coated with a lead-containing layer containing a discontinuous dispersion of lead to effectively reduce gassing at the surface of the anode current collector during storage of the cell.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery has a pair of electrodes, one having nickel hydrox as the active component and the other comprising as active component an amorphous alloy of at least one element selected from the group consisting of early transition metals and rare earth metals; and at least one late transition metal; the battery displays superior characteristics as compared with conventional Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries; essentially the battery functions as a hydrogen cell, involving intercalation of hydrogen into the amorphous alloy; a new method of charging involves charging a rechargeable cell and periodically interrupting the charging for a short interval and electrically shorting the cell during the short interval.

Abstract: A surfactant is present in an aqeuous alkaline electrolyte of a consumable metal anode electrochemical cell in a concentration sufficient to substantially reduce both the surface tension of the electrolyte and the rate of the parasitic corrosion reaction occurring between the electrolyte and the anode. The surfactant is useful in minimizing the harmful side effects, such as increased heat generation, anode consumption without producing useful energy and increased hydrogen gas production rates, such as are associated with the parasitic corrosion reaction experienced in such electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A non-amalgamated zinc alloy powder for use in an alkaline cell which comprises 1 ppm or less of iron and an elemental component selected from among the following combinations (1) to (5):(1) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of indium and 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of lead,(2) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of indium and 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of calcium,(3) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of lead and 0 to 1.0% by weight in total of at least one member selected from among bismuth, aluminum and calcium,(4) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of calcium, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of bismuth and 0 to 0.5% by weight of aluminum, and(5) 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of lead, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of indium, 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of calcium and 0 to 0.5% by weight of aluminum, and which can greatly suppress the evolution of hydrogen gas and maintain the discharge performance on a practical level, and a method for the production of the same.

Abstract: An alkaline storage cell having high utilization factor of the active material of the nickel positive electrode and excellent charge/discharge cycle characteristic is disclosed. The above utilization factor and cycle characteristic are improved by the effect of cobalt compound interposed between the plaque and the active material or provided on a surface of the active material and by the synergistic effect of both the above cobalt compound and lithium hydroxide added to the electrolyte mainly comprising potassium hydroxide.

Abstract: A nickel/hydrogen storage battery comprises a nickel positive electrode having nickel oxide as a main active material, a negative electrode mainly composed of a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of carrying out the electrochemical hydrogen absorbing and desorbing reaction, an alkaline electrolyte, and a separator, a zinc compound being contained in the nickel positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator.The content of the zinc compound in terms of zinc oxide is 30-500 mg per Ah of battery capacity in the nickel positive electrode and 0.3-15 mg in the negative electrode and the separator.Thus, the expansion of the nickel positive electrode can be inhibited and the electrolyte retention of the negative electrode and the separator can be improved and the cycle life of the battery can be prolonged.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a nickel-cadmium alkaline storage battery in which the content of nickel hydroxide and/or nickel oxide in a negative active material is from 2 to 60 wt% based on the total amount of cadmium, and the content of cadmium hydroxide in the negative active material is 0.95 or lower in terms of a weight ratio to nickel hydroxide in a positive active material; a manganese dioxide-cadmium alkaline storage battery in which the content of cadmium hydroxide in a negative active material in the discharged state is 0.84 or lower in terms of a weight ratio to manganese dioxide in a positive active material; and a silver oxide-cadmium alkaline storage battery in which the content of cadmium hydroxide in a negative active material in the discharged state is 1.36 or lower in terms of a weight ratio to silver in a positive active material.

Abstract: A separator membrane for use in secondary alkali batteries having a non-ion selective hydrophilic group and ion exchange group said membrane having an electrical resistance which, when said membrane is heated in 12NaOH for 30 minutes at a temperature between about 20.degree. and 100.degree. C., varies from the initial value for 20.degree. C. by an amount between 10% and about 24% and the process thereof are herein disclosed.

Abstract: Porous electrodes for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical cells are disclosed. Principally, the electrodes a catalytically active layer on a porous conductive substrate, which catalytically active layer is derived from non-noble metals. The loading of the catalytically active layer is lower in terms of weight of catalyst per unit area of geometrical electrode surface than heretofore. Several alternative methods of forming the electrode are taught, including impregnating a porous conductive substrate with a metal salt solution, followed by chemical or thermal formation of the porous catalytically active layer; or mixing the catalytically active material with the material of the porous conductive substrate, followed by fabrication of the electrode; or depositing pyrolitic carbon from the gas phase onto a porous conductive substrate, at elevated temperatures in a gas atmosphere. The electrode may also have a porous metallic current collector, and also a further gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A sealed alkaline secondary battery with a cadmium negative electrode employs a micro-porous separator having circular or elliptic pores, to thereby eliminate the occurrence of internal short-circuiting and to improve the oxygen gas absorption ability of the battery.

Abstract: A cadmium electrode for use in rechargeable alkaline cells is disclosed featuring use of dispersed polyamide having specific properties. The polyamide serves as a binder as well as an anti-agglomerant to retard cadmium agglomeration during use of the electrode. The use of elemental silver additive dispersed throughout the electrode is also disclosed, as is the use of zirconium material as an elecrolyte wicking and anti-compressive agent. A process for making any of the foregoing electrodes is disclosed featuring the step of forming a paste by mixing together the polymeric resin, active cadmium material and a non-aqueous solvent, applying the paste to a conductive substrate and removing the solvent. Alternatively, known prefabricated cadmium electrodes, such as Teflon-bonded or sintered types, are post-treated through dipping or the like in a solution of the aforementioned polyamide.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte aluminum-air battery comprises one or more cells, each cell comprising a frame which defines an electrolyte chamber. The frame is made of a rigid material inactive to the electrolyte. The cell has a consumable aluminum anode and an air cathode spaced from the anode by said electrolyte chamber. Means are provided for admitting electrolyte solution into the electrolyte chamber. A vent exposes the electrolyte chamber to atmosphere. A hydrophobic membrane which is impermeable to the passage of electrolyte but permeable to the passage of hydrogen closes the vent. A surface of each cell anode is exposed to the flow of air. The amount of surface exposed is effective to dissipate heat generated at the anode.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an electrochemical cell is disclosed comprising a metal oxide cathode; an anode/electrolyte mixture which contains a zinc anode material and an aluminum compound additive as an source of aluminum ions (e.g., an aluminum salt). The anode/electrolyte mixture may also contain a source of sulfate ions (e.g., a metal sulfate). The anode/electrolyte mixture can also include a suitable carrier (e.g., gelling agent, buffer) for admixing the various components of the mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a negative electrode of 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 and a hydrophilic material are provided in a portion of the surface layer of the negative electrode and in the side of the negative electrode respectively so as to properly secure both the wetting property and hydrophobic property of the negative electrode against the alkaline electrolytic solution. Accordingly, a hydrogen can be absorbed electrochemically in the portion of the negative electrode which is wetted by the electrolytic solution and a hydrogen gas generated in charging the battery can be absorbed by a vapor phase reaction in the hydrophobic portion of the negative electrode which is exposed to the vapor phase so that the internal gas pressure can be reduced to thereby make it possible to perform rapid charging.

Abstract: The invention concerns batteries with aluminium alloy anodes, and generally aqueous alkaline electrolytes and cathodes. The anode in an alloy of Al with an activating element selected from Cd, Sn, Bi, Sb, In, Be, B, Se, Te, P, As, C, Re, Pd, Nb, Si and Zn. When the anode is polarized at a suitable electro-negative potential, typically from -1.8V to -2.3V relative to a Hg/HgO reference electrode, the anode operates in a new state, herein called a hyper-active state, in which the battery operates at a higher voltage and/or hydrogen gas is generated at a higher rate than in conventional aluminium batteries. The hyper-active state is maintained by control of anode potential (typically around -2.0V at a low current densities) and electrolyte hydrodynamics.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride secondary cell comprising a non-sinter type nickel positive electrode accommodated in an enclosure and comprised of a conductive core and a layer formed on the conductive core, the layer made of a mixture of nickel hydroxide power and cobalt monoxide powder covered with a layer of high-valence cobalt oxide, a hydrogen absorbing alloy negative electrode accommodated in the enclosure and comprised of a conductive core and a layer formed on the conductive core and made of a mixture hydrogen absorbing alloy powder and carbon black having a specific surface area of 700 m.sup.2 /g or more, and having a capacity 1.0 to 2.5 times the sum of the capacity of the nickel hydroxide contained in the positive electrode and the electricity required to oxidize the cobalt monoxide powder, a separator made of synthetic resin unwoven fabric having a texture size of 50 to 100 g/m.sup.2 and a thickness of 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: A separator for an alkaline cell comprising a substrate of a separator and 0.1% to 10% by weight of amorphous ultra fine particles of titanium dioxide and/or hydrated titanium dioxide having a primary particle diameter of a maximum of 500 .ANG. and a specific surface area of a minimum of 100 m.sup.2 /gram. An alkaline cell is also provided which incorporates the separator. The separator results in improved capability to retain electrolytic solution, improved resistivity against alkali and a low amount of residual gas generated during charge. Furthermore, the separator minimizes the electrical resistance, improves the resistivity against oxidation and prevents dendrite occurrence.

Abstract: This invention relates to rechargeable alkaline electrochemical cells, having manganese dioxide cathodes. Generally, those cells have zinc anodes and an alkaline electrolyte, but several other options are considered. In any event, the present invention provides an improved cell by providing a pre-conditioned manganese dioxide cathode, where the net oxidation state of the cathode at the time that the cell is finally assembled and sealed is such that the manganese dioxide is, in fact, MnOx where x is between 1.70 and 1.90. The preconditioned cell may be preconditioned by cycling the cathode in a unsealed cell, then replacing the zinc anode and sealing the cell; or by adding a reduction agent to the manganese dioxide cathode prior to the time when the cell is finally assembled and sealed; or by adding an overcharge reserve material to the cathode.

Abstract: An aluminum battery comprises an aqueous alkaline electrolyte and an anode which is an alloy of aluminum containing magnesium and/or calcium. Tin is present in the electrolyte (as stannate at a concentration of 0.001 to 0.01 M) and/or in the anode (at a concentration of at least 0.005%). The batteries operate at high coulombic efficiency at both high and low current densities. Preferred conditions of operation comprise drawing current at an average current density of 5 to 400 mA/cm.sup.2 of anode surface for at least one hour, and introducing seed crystals into the electrolyte to aid precipitation of aluminum values from the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrolytic composition is disclosed which comprises an electrolyte mixture and a fluorescent additive. The fluorescent additive should be stable at the pH of the electrolyte mixture. In the preferred embodiment the fluorescent additive is a pyrene compound at a concentration of 0.1% by weight of the final composition. An improved electrochemical cell is also disclosed which incorporates the electrolytic composition of the present invention. A method for detecting spillage or leakage of electrolyte during manufacture of such an electrochemical cell is also disclosed utilizing the fluorescent character of the electrolytic composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkaline storage battery using a negative electrode formed of a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of absorbing/desorbing hydrogen electrochemically. A three-dimensional structural matter having hydrophobic property is used as a supporter for supporting the hydrogen absorbing alloy of the negative electrode, so that hydrophobic property is given to the surface of the hydrogen absorbing alloy which is in contact with the support, whereby a hydrogen gas generated in a charging period is absorbed by powder of the alloy exposed at a gas phase portion to suppress the increase of the internal gas pressure of the battery.According to the present invention, it is possible to perform rapid charge in a short time because the increase of the internal gas pressure of the battery can be suppressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alkaline cell that uses a lead-containing conductive anode current collector alloy, such as a copper-zinc-lead alloy current collector to effectively reduce gassing at the surface of the anode current collector during storage.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a gelled zinc negative electrode solely or mainly using, as a gelling agent to hold a zinc powder in an alkaline electrolyte, a granular crosslinking type branched polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid or salts thereof.This gelling agent, holding an alkaline electrolyte, swells and properly maintains the thickness of the electrolyte, whereby the electrolyte can be sufficiently fed to a cell reaction portion and the alkaline cell is imparted with excellent drop resistance and shelf stability.

Abstract: An alkaline zinc battery having a zinc electrode comprising a copper-containing conductor embedded in a zinc-rich active and immersed in a concentrated alkaline electrolyte containing a benzotriazole to suppress dissolution of copper in the electrolyte when the cell is fully discharged.

Abstract: A process is provided for stabilizing a primary electrochemical generator comprising at least one reactive anode made from a metal chosen from the group comprising zinc, aluminum and magnesium, characterized in that to said electrode is added a percentage of 0.01% to 1% by weight with respect to the metal, of at least one .[.perfluorated.]. .Iadd.polyfluorated .Iaddend.organic compound of the ethoxylated fluoroalcohol type. It also relates to an anode obtained by the above mentioned process and a primary electrochemical generator, with alkaline or saline electrolyte, comprising an anode of this type.