Abstract: A method and system for fabricating solid-state energy-storage devices including fabrication films for devices without an anneal step. A film of an energy-storage device is fabricated by depositing a first material layer to a location on a substrate. Energy is supplied directly to the material forming the film. The energy can be in the form of energized ions of a second material. Supplying energy directly to the material and/or the film being deposited assists in controlling the growth and stoichiometry of the film. The method allows for the fabrication of ultrathin films such as electrolyte films and dielectric films.

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

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: 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: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method for making the negative active material, and a rechargeable lithium battery including a carbonaceous material, which is capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium, and particles of a metal or a metal compound or mixtures thereof, distributed in the carbonaceous material, the metal or the metal compound being capable of forming an alloy with lithium during electrochemical charging and discharging.

Abstract: A cadmium negative electrode is prepared having excellent cycle characteristics without impairing the production efficiency even in case the impurities incorporated during filling the active material should be removed by heat treatment. The method includes filling the nickel sintered substrate with an active material based on cadmium hydroxide to obtain an active material filled electrode plate; heating the active material filled electrode plate to change at least a part of the thus filled active material based on cadmium hydroxide into cadmium oxide; adding polyvinyl alcohol into the active material; and hydrating the active material filled electrode plate added with polyvinyl alcohol i.e., immersing the electrode plate in an alkaline solution to convert cadmium oxide into cadmium hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery comprising an overdischarge-preventing agent. Particularly, the present invention provides a lithium secondary battery comprising an overdischarge-preventing agent having superior effects for an overdischarge test and showing 90% or more capacity recovery after the test, by introducing lithium nickel oxide into a cathode for a lithium secondary battery comprising a lithium transition metal oxide capable of occluding and releasing lithium ions as an overdischarge-preventing agent to supply lithium ions such that irreversible capacity of an anode can be compensated or better, thereby lowering voltage of a cathode first to prevent voltage increase of an anode during the overdischarge test.

Abstract: In a battery newly developed by inventors of the invention in which the capacity of the anode is represented by the sum of a capacity component by insertion and extraction of light metal and a capacity component by precipitation and dissolution of the light metal, a further improvement in a volume energy density or a weight energy density can be achieved. Moreover, a short circuit, damage or the like in the battery due to the external application of pressure or the like can be prevented from being extended in the vicinity of an outermost circumference or an innermost circumference of a spirally wound electrode body in the battery. An outermost circumferential surface of a spirally wound electrode body (20) is covered with a cathode current collector (21a).

Abstract: Provided is a battery capable of improving the chemical stability of an electrolyte and characteristics. The battery comprises a spirally wound electrode body (20) including a strip-shaped cathode (21) and a strip-shaped anode (22) spirally wound with a separator (23) in between. During charge, lithium metal is precipitated on the anode (22), so the capacity of the anode (22) is represented by the sum of a capacity component by insertion and extraction of lithium and a capacity component by precipitation and dissolution of the lithium metal. The separator (23) is impregnated with an electrolyte solution including an electrolyte salt. The electrolyte salt includes a first lithium salt LiN(CnF2n+1SO2)(CmF2m+1SO2) and a second lithium salt such as LiPF6 or the like. Thereby, the chemical stability of the electrolyte solution can be improved, and a side reaction can be inhibited, so charge-discharge cycle characteristics can be improved.

Abstract: It is the object of the invention to provide a cathode material capable of improving charge-and-discharge cycle characteristics and a battery using the cathode material. A rolled electrode body (20) is provided, the rolled electrode body being comprised of a strip-shaped cathode (21) and a strip-shaped anode (22) with a separator (23) sandwiched in-between. Lithium metal precipitates on the anode (22) in the middle of charge, and a capacity of the anode (22) is expressed by a sum of a capacity component obtained through insertion and extraction of lithium and a capacity component obtained through precipitation and dissolution of lithium. The cathode (21) includes lithium-containing oxide as the cathode material capable of insertion and extraction of lithium, which is expressed in a chemical formula LixMI1−yMIIyO2. MI corresponds to Co or Ni, and MII corresponds to a transition metal element except for MI. Therefore, charge-and-discharge cycle characteristics can be improved.

Abstract: An active composition for fabricating positive electrodes, comprising a nickel hydroxide material, and a misch metal alloy. A nickel positive electrode and an electrochemical cell using this active composition.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: A sealed alkaline storage battery using, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide including Mn as a solid-solution element and having a &ggr; ratio of 65 through 100%; a sealed alkaline storage battery using, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide including as an additive or coated with a rare earth element and/or a rare earth compound in a ratio measured based on the rare earth element of 0.05 through 5 wt %; and a sealed alkaline storage battery including, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide having a half-width of a peak in a lattice plane (003) in an X-ray diffraction pattern of 0.8° or more. The pressure within the battery is not largely increased for a long period of charge-discharge cycles, and hence, the electrolyte hardly leaks.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sintered cadmium negative electrode for use in an alkaline storage battery having a porous sintered nickel substrate and an active material containing cadmium hydroxide, the active material impregnated in the porous sintered nickel substrate, sintered cadmium negative electrode in which a groove 3 having a depth of 0.1 to 20 &mgr;m is provided on a surface of the substrate so that a projected region and a depressed region are formed on the surface of the substrate. An alkaline storage battery employing the sintered cadmium negative electrode of the invention achieves, as well as a high capacity, an improved large current charge-discharge characteristic by increasing an oxygen gas absorbing performance.

Abstract: from Groups 2, 3, 12, 13, or 14 of the Periodic Table. Preferred embodiments include those having where c=1, those where c=2, and those where c=3. Preferred embodiments include those where a ≦1 and c=1, those where a=2 and c=1, and those where a≧3 and c=3. This invention also provides electrodes comprising an electrode active material of this invention, and batteries that comprise a first electrode having an electrode active material of this invention; a second electrode having a compatible active material; and an electrolyte.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a cadmium negative electrode having excellent cycle characteristics without impairing the production efficiency even in case the impurities incorporated during filling the active material should be removed by heat treatment. A method for producing sintered cadmium negative electrode according to the invention comprises: an active material filling step comprising filling the nickel sintered substrate with an active material based on cadmium hydroxide to obtain an active material filled electrode plate; a heating step comprising heating the active material filled electrode plate to change at least a part of the thus filled active material based on cadmium hydroxide into cadmium oxide; a polyvinyl alcohol adding step comprising adding polyvinyl alcohol into the active material filled electrode plate through the heating step; and a hydration step comprising hydrating the active material filled electrode plate added with polyvinyl alcohol (i.e.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel materials based on coated metal particles for use as active positive-electrode material in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: The method for producing a positive electrode active material for an alkaline storage battery is disclosed. The method includes a first oxidation treatment of a raw material powder comprising a nickel hydroxide solid solution and cobalt hydroxide to oxidize the cobalt hydroxide to a cobalt oxyhydroxide; and a second oxidation treatment of the powder obtained in the first oxidation treatment to oxidize the nickel hydroxide solid solution to a nickel oxyhydroxide solid solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active material for constituting a nickel electrode for alkaline storage batteries which has a high utilization at high ambient temperatures and therefore realizes a battery of higher energy density and a longer cycle life. The nickel electrode active material comprises a nickel hydroxide powder prepared from nickel sulfate and contains SO42− at 0.4 wt % or less in the crystal of the powder. The nickel hydroxide is preferably solid solution nickel hydroxide incorporating therein at least one element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, cadmium, zinc and magnesium.

Abstract: A method for producing a cadmium negative electrode for alkaline batteries according to the present invention comprises a step of obtaining a cadmium active-substance impregnated electrode plate by impregnating said electrode substrate with a cadmium active substance; and a step of adding polyethylene glycol for forming a polyethylene glycol coating on the surface of said cadmium negative electrode or on the surface of said active substance by coating or impregnating said active-substance impregnated electrode with polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active material for constituting a nickel electrode for alkaline storage batteries which has a high utilization at high ambient temperatures and therefore realizes a battery of higher energy density and a longer cycle life. The nickel electrode active material comprises a nickel hydroxide powder prepared from nickel sulfate and contains SO42− at 0.4 wt % or less in the crystal of the powder. The nickel hydroxide is preferably solid solution nickel hydroxide incorporating therein at least one element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, cadmium, zinc and magnesium.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel manganese dioxide electrodes comprising modified, electrochemically active manganese dioxide, to a method for fabricating these novel manganese dioxide electrodes and to the use of these in rechargeable cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery including a composite oxide powder having a median diameter of 3.0 through 20.0 &mgr;m and a content of particles with a grain size of 1 &mgr;m or less of 10% by volume or less and being represented by a composition formula, LiaCobMcNi1-b-cO2, in which M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Y, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In and Sn; 0≦a≦1.2; 0.01≦b≦0.4; 0.01≦c≦0.4; and 0.02≦b+c≦0.5. Thus, the lithium secondary battery can be improved in its charge-discharge cycle characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive electrode material for alkaline storage batteries which has high energy density and causes little capacity reduction even when a charge/discharge cycle is repeated at high temperatures. The positive electrode material for alkaline storage batteries of the present invention comprises nickel hydroxide particles and a layers of cobalt oxide coating the nickel hydroxide particles. A valence of cobalt of the cobalt oxide is larger than 3.0, and the cobalt oxide contains sodium ions or potassium ions inside the crystal and further fixes lithium hydroxide or lithium ions.

Abstract: A process for producing positive electrode active material includes feeding an aqueous nickel salt solution, aqueous solutions of different kinds of metals, aqueous solution containing ammonium ions and aqueous alkali solution each independently and simultaneously into a reaction vessel such that the amount of alkali metal is 1.9-2.3 moles relative to 1 mole of the total amount of nickel and different kinds of metals and the amount of ammonium ions is 2 moles or more relative to 1 mole of the total amount of nickel and different kinds of metals, the pH in the vessel is 11-13, the temperature in the vessel is 30-60° C. and the average residence time is 20-50 hours.

Abstract: An active composition for the electrode of an alkaline electrochemical cell. The active composition comprises an active electrode material and an additive material selected from the group consisting of a Raney alloy, and a Raney catalyst. The active composition may be used to form metal hydride electrodes.

Abstract: A cadmium negative electrode capable of enhancing a utilization rate of metallic cadmium contained therein as an active material in charged state. In the cadmium negative electrode, a mixture paste of a main active material in form of cadmium oxide or cadmium hydroxide and metallic cadmium powder containing yttrium component is deposited on a metallic active material retention substrate.

Abstract: A material for use as an electrode, and particularly the anode (20) of an electrochemical device, such as an electrochemical capacitor device (10). The material is a multicomponent alloy material, including a host matrix material consisting of antimony, and at least one modifier element selected from the group consisting of bismuth, nickel, cadmium, zinc, silver, manganese, lead, lithium, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for reducing the surface of a metal oxide substrate, such as silver oxide, to form a layer of its metal, such as silver, on the metal oxide substrate by contacting the substrate with a plasma gas excited by a plasma generator.

Abstract: The photo-semiconducting electrode of the present invention comprises a semiconducting substrate, a chemically adsorbed film formed thereon composed of at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by the formulas: formulas (I) R.sup.1 M.sup.1 Y.sub.1.sub.3, (II) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1.sub.2, (III) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1 and (IV) R.sup.1 --SH, respectively, and a dye which is fixed to the surface of the chemically adsorbed film and has a functional group capable of reacting with a halogen atom. Because of this, the photo-semiconductor electrode of the present invention is capable of efficiently absorbing solar light and performing energy conversion and superior in photoelectric conversion efficiency, stability and durability. In addition, it can be easily produced.

Abstract: Electrode including a paste containing particles of electrochemically active material and a conductive support consisting of a three-dimensional porous material comprising strands delimiting contiguous pores communicating via passages, characterized in that the average width L in .mu.m of said passages is related to the average diameter .O slashed. in .mu.m of said particles by the following equation, in which W and Y are dimensionless coefficients:(W.times..O slashed.)+X.gtoreq.L.gtoreq.(Y.times..O slashed.)+ZwhereinW=0.16Y=1.69X=202.4 .mu.m andZ=80 .mu.

Abstract: A polymeric sheet, which is particularly suited for use as a separator in an electrochemical device, is formed by graft copolymerizing acrylic acid, or another vinyl monomer capable of reacting with an acid or a base to form a salt directly or indirectly with fibers of a non-woven sheet, whose outer surface is provided by a polyolefin, especially polypropylene. The polyolefin is crosslinked as a result of the polymerization reaction. The polymerization reaction is preferably initiated by exposure of the sheet to ultraviolet radiation, after impregnation with an appropriate solution of the vinyl monomer.

Abstract: A process of preparing a powder of metal hydroxides based on nickel hydroxide for an electrode of an electrochemical cell having an alkaline electrolyte. The process includes introducing a solution of salts of nickel and of cobalt and of cadmium and/or zinc into a reactor in a slow and continuous manner under good stirring conditions, together with a strong base and an ammonium salt. Proportions of the ingredients are determined so that the pH of the mixture is stabilized at a value of 9.2.+-.0.1, and the temperature is maintained between 80.degree. C. and 85.degree. C. Particles metal hydroxide precipitated from the reaction are filtered, washed, and dried.

Abstract: The present invention discloses four main groups of hydrogen storage/hydride electrode materials for electrochemical applications as the active material of the negative electrode of a hydride battery. The compositions of these four groups are represented by the formulas: (1) Ti.sub.a Nb.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.p, (2) Ti.sub.a Hf.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.p, (3) Ti.sub.a Ta.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.p, (4) Ti.sub.a V.sub.b Ni.sub.c R.sub.x D.sub.y Q.sub.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a nickel hydroxide for a nickel electrode, which comprises solidly dissolving ions of other metals than nickel in a nickel hydroxide, and eluting a partial amount of the metal, a method for manufacturing a nickel electrode, which comprises filling a porous current collector with an active material paste consisting mainly of the resulting nickel hydroxide, and an alkaline secondary battery which incorporates the nickel electrode as a positive electrode therein. This nickel hydroxide restrains deformation or expansion of the nickel electrode and lowering of the discharge capacity of the battery despite repeated charge/discharge cycles of the battery.

Abstract: An improved metal hydride hydrogen storage alloy electrochemical cell (10) includes a positive electrode (20) and a negative electrode (30) having disposed therebetween, a polymer electrolyte (40). The polymer electrolyte (40) comprises a polymer support structure fabricated of, for example, polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate, and having dispersed therein an electrolyte active species such as, for example, KOH. The improved electrolyte for a metal hydride hydrogen storage alloy cell provides a battery cell free from electrolyte leakage, and having ionic conductivities which allow for an efficient use of the metal hydride electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage device is fabricated from two opposing asymmetric electrode assemblies (10) and (11) and a solid polymer electrolyte (15). A first electrode is fabricated from a conducting polymer such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, or polythiothene. The second electrode is fabricated from a metal, metal hydroxides, metal oxides and combinations thereof. The solid polymer electrolyte is in intimate contact with and situated between the first and second electrodes. The solid polymer electrolyte may be made from a polymeric binder or support structure such as polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, or other polymeric materials. Dispersed in the polymeric support structure may be either an acidic or basic material, such as KOH or H.sub.3 PO.sub.4.

Abstract: A process for preparing a metallic cadmium powder for use in a nickel-cadmium by heat melting metallic cadmium in an evaporator, introducing an inert gas into the evaporator to discharge cadmium vapor along with the inert gas into a cooler, and collecting the resulting metallic cadmium powder, wherein the process condition is regulated such that at least one of the following conditions (1) and (2) can be satisfied:(1) the amount of the inert gas flow introduced into the evaporator is at least 30 Nl/g of cadmium vapor while the direction of introducing the inert gas into the evaporator is set against the surface of the molten cadmium; and(2) the temperature of the molten cadmium in the evaporator and the amount of the inert gas flow introduced into the evaporator are set such that the following formulae can be satisfied:log y.gtoreq.8.8.times.10.sup.-3 x-5.3 (600.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.900), andlog y.gtoreq.1.8.times.10.sup.-3 x-0.96 (330.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.600),wherein x is the temperature (.degree.C.

Abstract: There is provided a paste-type electrode for an alkali secondary cell which can suppress occurrence of internal short-circuiting, which is likely to happen when an electrode is rolled along with another electrode having the opposite polarity and a separator interposed therebetween. The paste-type electrode for an alkali secondary cell comprises a three-dimensional substrate including a felt-like metal porous member in which a plurality of hollow metal fibers are arranged three-dimensionally, diameters of those of the metal fibers arranged near the surface portion of the porous member being greater than those arranged in the inner portion, an average diameter of those of the metal fibers near the surface portion being in a range of 20 to 150 .mu.m, and an average diameter of those of the metal fibers in the inner portion being in a range of 10 to 100 .mu.m, and paste containing an activation substance filled in the three-dimensional substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a paste-type electrode for an alkali secondary cell which can suppress occurrence of internal short-circuiting, which is likely to happen when an electrode is rolled along with another electrode having the opposite polarity and a separator interposed therebetween. The paste-type electrode for an alkali secondary cell comprises a three-dimensional substrate including a felt-like metal porous member in which a plurality of hollow metal fibers are arranged three-dimensionally, diameters of those of the metal fibers arranged near the surface portion of the porous member being greater than those arranged in the inner portion, an average diameter of those of the metal fibers near the surface portion being in a range of 20 to 150 .mu.m, and an average diameter of those of the metal fibers in the inner portion being in a range of 10 to 100 .mu.m, and paste containing an activation substance filled in the three-dimensional substrate.

Abstract: An aqueous cadmium oxide paste of high flowability for the vibration filling of foam-structure and fiber-structure electrode plaques is characterized by a cadmium oxide content of about 25 to 35% by volume, a pH of about 10 to 12.5, a content of about 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, based on cadmium oxide, of one or more dispersants from the group comprising the water-soluble salts of polyphosphoric acids, di- and polyphosphonic acids and their derivatives, gluconic acid or of antimonyl tartrate. The paste has a plastic viscosity of about 0.1 to 1 Pa.s and also a yield value of between about 10 and 120 Pa. This cadmium oxide paste makes it possible to fill foam-structure and fiber-structure electrode plaques completely in one operation.

Abstract: The invention is related to hermetically sealed dry accumulators having significantly larger power output per units of mass in a proportionately smaller volume. The accumulator includes one electrode comprising copper, cadmium, zinc, nickel, or iron, and another electrode of lead dioxide. An immobilized electrolyte containing a silica gel and sulfuric acid is in contact with the electrodes. A method for producing a novel silica gel which is especially suited for use in the immobilized electrolyte is also described.

Abstract: An aqueous cadmium oxide paste of high flowability for the vibration filling of foam-structure and fiber-structure electrode plaques is characterized by a cadmium oxide content of about 25 to 35% by volume, a pH of about 10 to 12.5, a content of about 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, based on cadmium oxide, of one or more dispersants from the group comprising the water-soluble salts of polyphosphoric acids, di- and polyphosphonic acids and their derivatives, gluconic acid or of antimonyl tartrate. The paste has a plastic viscosity of about 0.1 to 1 Pa.s and also a yield value of between about 10 and 120 Pa. This cadmium oxide paste makes it possible to fill foam-structure and fiber-structure electrode plaques completely in one operation.

Abstract: Lithium based electrical cells having a new anode electrode construction are described. The cells have a sandwich construction of lithium sheet, conductive foil and lithium sheet, wherein the anode tab is welded directly onto the conductive foil not onto the lithium. Alternatively, the tab is connected onto the lithium in an area where the lithium does not dissolve during discharge, so that the tab will not become disconnected from the anode sheet.

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: The cadmium negative electrode has a structure serving as a collector and made of nickel foam. The sponge is filled with a mixture cons mainly of cadmium oxide and contains nickel sulphate hexahydrate in the proportion of 1.8 to 2.7% by weight of the total mixture, expressed in the form of nickel.

Abstract: A plasticized cadmium oxide electrode for an electrochemical generator and more specifically for a storage battery is formed by pasting a reticulated open-porosity matrix, a plasticizing agent being associated with cadmium oxide in the paste employed. This electrode has high capacity and offers outstanding stability during cycling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rechargeable alkaline storage cell having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator disposed between the electrodes. The negative electrode has an active material layer and a conductive layer formed on the active layer, the active layer including cadmium active material, the conductive layer including polyvinylpyrrolidone as a binder and conductive powder.

Abstract: A cadmium non-sintered negative electrode for use in an alkaline storage cell comprising a main active material comprising at least one of powdered cadmium oxide and powdered cadmium hydroxide; a reserve charging substance comprising powdered metal cadmium; and an additive comprising powdered nickel hydroxide whose grain shape is substantially globe and/or whose average grain size is 1.5 to 200 &mgr;m.