Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy preferably used for electrodes in alkaline rechargeable battery is of the general formula: Zr.sub.1.2-a Ti.sub.a Mn.sub.v Al.sub.w Ni.sub.x M.sub.y Cr.sub.z wherein M represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Zn, Sn, Fe, Mo, Cu and Co; and wherein 0.1.ltoreq.a<1.2, 0.4.ltoreq.v.ltoreq.1.2, 0<w.ltoreq.0.3, 0.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.6, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.2, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.3, and 1.7.ltoreq.(v+w+x+y+z).ltoreq.2.7. The alloy has at least one of a C14-type Laves phase of a crystal structure similar to that of MgZn.sub.2 and a C15-type Laves phase of a crystal structure similar to that of MgCu.sub.2 as a main alloy phase.

Abstract: A first hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode is obtained by applying a hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder on a collector or having a collector filled with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder and then sintering the hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder is pre-pared by centrifugal spraying or gas atomizing and particles constituting the powder have a spherical shape, a nearly spherical shape, an egg-like shape or a mixed shape including the foregoing. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode can readily be produced at low cost and have high packing density and good corrosion resistance, and can hence yield, when used for negative electrodes, metal hydride secondary batteries having excellent cycle characteristics. A second hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode comprises a mixed powder containing a spherical-particle powder of a hydrogen-absorbing alloy and a powder as pulverized of the same alloy in a specific ratio.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy electrode comprising, an electrically conductive support made of a punched or perforated metal sheet, a mixture supported on said conductive support and a water-repellent agent for giving a water-repellent property on the surface of the electrode, said mixture including; a hydrogen storage alloy powder, a styrene-butadiene copolymer having a styrene to butadiene weight ratio in a range of 100:30 to 100:100 as a binder, a polymeric material for giving a hydrophilic property inside the electrode, and carbon black for giving a hydrophobic property inside the electrode.

Abstract: A negative electrode, and hydrogen storage cell incorporating the negative electrode, wherein the negative electrode is a porous mat of conductive fibers. These fibers, which are capable of reversible hydrogen storage, have high aspect ratios, typically greater than 1,000, and have diameters in the range of about 1 micron to about 20 microns. The porous mat negative electrode may optionally be sintered.

Abstract: The sealing of the top and/or bottom of the cylindrical positive electrode of an air-cell is improved and leakage of the electrolyte from the jellied zinc negative electrode disposed within the positive electrode which is constituted of a collector layer, catalyst layer, and a porous layer is prevented. By utilizing a positive electrode constituted of a metallic collector layer made of a metal mesh or such, a catalyst layer disposed around said collector, and a fluororesin porous layer as an air diffusion layer, an outer cup and an inner cup are pressed on the top of the positive electrode in order to prevent the leakage of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A nickel hydroxide electrode useful in an alkaline secondary battery containing at least one of a copper-based additive or a manganese-based additive in either a nickel hydrogen active material as applied to a porous metal substrate, in a porous metal substrate itself, or both. The copper-based additive is at least member of the group consisting of copper, cuprous oxide and cupric oxide. The manganese-based additive is at least member of the group consisting of metal manganese, MnO, Mn.sub.2 O.sub.3, Mn.sub.3 O.sub.4, MnO.sub.2, MnO.sub.3, Mn.sub.2 O.sub.7, Mn(OH).sub.2, MnCO.sub.3, K.sub.2 MnO.sub.2, and KMnO.sub.4. When the additive is used in a positive electrode for an alkaline secondary battery, the rate of absorption of hydrogen gas generated in the battery is accelerated resulting in a reduction of the internal pressure of the battery.

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 electrochemical hydrogen storage material comprising:(Base Alloy).sub.a M.sub.bwhere, Base Alloy is an alloy of Mg and Ni in a ratio of from about 1:2 to about 2:1, preferably 1:1; M represents at least one modifier element chosen from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Fe, Cu, Mo, W, Cr, V, Ti, Zr, Sn, Th, Si, Zn, Li, Cd, Na, Pb, La, Mm, and Ca; b is greater than 0.5, preferably 2.5, atomic percent and less than 30 atomic percent; and a+b=100 atomic percent. Preferably, the at least one modifier is chosen from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Fe, and Cu and the total mass of the at least one modifier element is less than 25 atomic percent of the final composition. Most preferably, the total mass of said at least one modifier element is less than 20 atomic percent of the final composition.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method and an apparatus for heat treating a metallic material by performing hydrogen absorption in or desorption from the metallic material. The method includes the steps of recovering the hydrogen gas released from a desorption step and recycling it to a hydrogen absorbing step. Hydrogen recovering can be performed either in a device containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy or in a second heat treating furnace containing the metallic material. Various controlling devices are used to regulate the process of heat treating and recovering of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Improved multicomponent alloys for hydrogen storage and rechargeable hydride electrode applications, and in particular for rechargeable hydride battery applications, according to the formula: A.sub.a B.sub.b Ni.sub.c D.sub.y M.sub.x R.sub.z, and the hydride thereof, where A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Y, V, Nb, Pd, Mg, Be, and Ca; B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Al, V, Wb, Ta, Cr, Mn, Si, C, B, and Mo; D is at least one element selected from the group consisting of W, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ag, Sb and Sn; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, P, S, Sr, and Ba; R is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, and Yb; and where a, b, c, x, y and z are defined by: 0.10.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.85, 0.02.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.85, 0.02.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.85, 0.01.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.30, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.25, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.12 and a+b+c+x+y=1.00.

Abstract: A cell provided with a gaseous diffusion electrode is constituted of the gaseous diffusion electrode, a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode, and a chargeable auxiliary electrode wherein nickel hydroxide is used as the active material thereof. The chargeable auxiliary electrode may be disposed either between the gaseous diffusion electrode and the hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode, or on the opposite side of the gaseous diffusion electrode to the hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode. The chargeable auxiliary electrode that can be used may be either a sintered-type nickel electrode for securing a long life span, or a foamed-type nickel electrode or a fiber-type nickel electrode for securing a high capacity. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode has a layer of at least one of metallic nickel, cobalt and copper on the surface of the alloy in order to suppress oxidation thereof at the time of over discharge.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy preferably used for electrodes in an alkaline storage battery is provided. The alloy is of the general formula ZrMn.sub.w V.sub.x Mo.sub.b M.sub.y Ni.sub.z, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe and Co and 0.4.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.8, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.3, 0.05.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.2, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.2, 1.0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.5, and 2.0.ltoreq.w+x+b+y+z.ltoreq.2.4. The alloy has C15-type Laves phases of a crystal structure similar to that of MgCu.sub.2 as a main alloy phase, and a lattice constant "a" such that 7.05 .ANG..ltoreq.a.ltoreq.7.13 .ANG..

Abstract: The subject invention relates to electrode structures that are adaptable for primary and electrically rechargeable electrochemical wafer cells. A flat wafer cell is disclosed that includes conductive, carbon-filled polymeric outer layers that serve as electrode contacts and as a means of containment of the cell. Multi-cell, higher voltage batteries may be constructed by stacking individual cells. Specially formulated electrodes and processing techniques that are compatible with the wafer cell construction are disclosed for a nickel-metal hydride battery system. The cell design and electrode formulations provide for individual operation of a vented or low pressure sealed cell and/or for operation of these cells in a stacked array in an outer battery housing.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell having a negative electrode, whose electrochemically active material comprises an intermetallic compound having the CaCu.sub.5 -structure which forms a hydride with hydrogen, obtains a high loadability and a long life cycle by virtue of the fact that the intermetallic compound comprises a non-stoichiometric metastable phase. The intermetallic compound is, preferably, of the type having the composition AB.sub.m, where m exceeds 5.4.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode having a hydrogen-absorbing alloy in a single crystal system and composed of at least three elements which are coated on a conductive substrate. One of the at least three elements has a density distribution profile with at least two adjacent high density peaks and a lowest density point between the at least two adjacent high density peaks. A density difference between one of the at least two adjacent high density peaks and the lowest density point is not less than about 3.0 wt % and a distance between the two adjacent high density peaks is not less than about 20 .mu.m. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy has a volume of 2 .mu.m.sup.3 and may include an additive selected from a group consisting of Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Tungsten (W) and Cobalt (co).

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: A method for manufacturing a hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode is provided, wherein a hydrogen-occlusion-alloy ingot is mechanically crushed, the obtained powder is washed in water to remove dust-size particles from the surface thereof, the washed powder is used in a moisten state after said washing as it is to prepare a slurry of a specified composition, and the slurry is supported on to a current collector. Incorporating this hydrogen-occlusion-alloy electrode in a nickel-hydrogen storage battery as the negative electrode leads to reduced internal pressure of the battery, an extended charge and discharge cycle life, and an improved rapid discharge characteristic.

Abstract: A zinc negative electrode comprising a zinc active material, Ca(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: The material is derived from the compound TiNi, is a single-phase material and is expressed by the following general formula:(Ti.sub.[1-(x+y)] Zr.sub.x M.sub.y)Ni.sub.zwhere: ##EQU1## where M is chosen from vanadium V, silicon Si, and a combination of vanadium and of silicon. Preferably, the hydridable material satisfies the following formulae:(Ti.sub.0.7 Zr.sub.0.2 V.sub.0.1)Nior(Ti.sub.0.5 Zr.sub.0.4 Si.sub.0.1)NiThe hydridable material is a single-phase material and has a body-centered cubic lattice, with a lattice parameter of about 3 .ANG..

Abstract: A sealed storage battery for use in potable power supply is improved by using metal oxide-hydrogen storage alloy to have a higher capacity and a smaller weight. The battery has a structure which comprises a combination of a positive electrode having a high energy density in a wide range of temperature and consisting of a bulk high porosity body filled with an active material composed of solid solutions such as typical Co solid solution, oxide powders such as typically Ca(OH).sub.2 and ZnO, with an addition of graphite for rendering the electrode reaction effective; and a high capacity negative electrode of hydrogen storage alloy having a reduced equilibrium hydrogen pressure, and where the aforementioned characteristics at high temperatures are further enhanced by an electrolyte suitable to high temperatures, short-circuits are prevented by a chemically stable separator, and a structure sealing a container and a safety vent is excellent in air-tightness and reliability.

Abstract: An improved metal hydride hydrogen storage alloy electrode (20) for use in an electrochemical cell (10). The improved electrode (20) includes a hydrogen storage alloy material (22) having a layer of a passivation material (25) disposed thereon.

Abstract: A gas-tight nickel/hydride battery with a high oxygen consumption rate and a correspondingly low internal pressure has a stacked arrangement of positive and negative electrodes wherein the negative electrodes are divided in two with a coarse supporting framework as a space between the resulting partial electrodes. Gas impermeable microporous separators deflect the oxygen stream emerging from the positive electrodes to faces of the negative partial electrodes. The spacer provides an inner space with walls defining an enlarged area for reducing the deflected oxygen stream. Because the micropores are completely filled with electrolyte due to their capillary activity, the microporous separators also permit the construction of nickel/hydride batteries with cell heights which could not otherwise be achieved in alkaline batteries with nonwoven fabric separators.

Abstract: Three types of novel hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrodes A, B and C usable for metal hydride secondary batteries are provided. All three types are represented by the general formula AB.sub.x wherein A represents Ti or elements that principally comprise Ti and generate heat upon absorption of hydrogen, B represents Mo and Ni or elements that principally comprise Mo and Ni and absorb heat upon absorption of hydrogen and 0.5.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.2, and are readily producible and difficult to undergo cycle deterioration and need only short activation treatment time. (A) uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy obtained by quenching and solidifying an alloy melt under an atmosphere of a reducing gas containing hydrogen at a cooling rate of at least 1.times.10.sup.3 .degree. C.

Abstract: A non-aqueous liquid electrolyte secondary cell, in which Li.sub.x MO.sub.2, where M is at least one transition metal, preferably at least one of Co and Ni , with 0.05.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.1.10, and in which charging and discharging is carried out by doping and release of lithium, is disclosed. The non-aqueous liquid electrolyte secondary cell has a current breaking device operated responsive to rise in the internal pressure in the cell. The current breaking device is adapted to be actuated positively by adding lithium carbonate to the active material of the positive electrode and providing the active material with surface portion covered with lithium carbonate. Preferably, the amount of addition and the specific surface area of lithium carbonate are 0.5 to 15 wt % and not less than 0.1 m.sup.2 /g, respectively.

Abstract: A disordered electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy comprising:(Base Alloy).sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c Al.sub.d Fe.sub.e Mo.sub.fwhere said Base Alloy comprises 0.1 to 60 atomic percent Ti, 0.1 to 25 atomic percent Zr, 0.1 to 60 atomic percent V, 0.1 to 57 atomic percent Ni, and 0.1 to 56 atomic percent Cr; b is 0 to 7 atomic percent; c is 4.5 to 8.5 atomic percent; d is 0. to 3 atomic percent; e is 0 to 2.5 atomic percent; f is 0 to 6.5 atomic percent; and a+b+c+d+e+f=100 atomic percent.

Abstract: A terminal for a battery assembly is adapted to lose electrical conduct with a battery cell in the presence of gases within a battery chamber thereby disabling the battery. The disabling of the battery assembly gives the user an indication that the battery is defective and should not be recharged. Additionally, because the battery is disabled, no more gases will be formed in the battery assembly so the seal or the protective envelope will not burst exposing the battery cell to the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the occurrence of load voltage instability in zinc anodic alkaline cells. The anode active material contains a gelled slurry of zinc alloy particles, a gelling agent, an aqueous alkaline solution and a mixed surfactant containing an anionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant. The gelled anode active material inhibits the occurrence of load voltage instability and simultaneously reduces hydrogen evolution even though the cell contains no added amounts of mercury.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to electrode structures that are adaptable for primary and electrically rechargeable electrochemical wafer cells. A flat wafer cell is disclosed that includes conductive, carbon-filled polymeric outer layers that serve as electrode contacts and as a means of containment of the cell. Multi-cell, higher voltage batteries may be constructed by stacking individual cells. Specially formulated electrodes and processing techniques that are compatible with the wafer cell construction are disclosed for a nickel-metal hydride battery system. The cell design and electrode formulations provide for individual operation of a vented or low pressure sealed cell and/or for operation of these cells in a stacked array in an outer battery housing.

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: 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: A hydrogen storage electrode for use as an anode of an alkaline battery and a process for producing such electrode are disclosed. According to the process, firstly particles of hydrogen storage alloy powder with maximum particle size of 50 .mu.m is prepared. The alloy powder particles are then made into microcapsules by electroless plating with copper amounting to 10%-20% by weight with respect to the sum of the alloy powder and the plating copper. With an electric current collector placed in contact with the copper-plated alloy powder set in a die cavity of a molding press, the molding dies are closed to press and the copper-plated powder and the current collector for bonding them together thereby to form the hydrogen storage electrode. Pressure exerted during the pressing is applied to such an extent that the porosity of the resulting compact of the pressed alloy powder falls in the range of 10% to 25%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydridable material for the negative electrode of a nickel-hydride storage cell mainly comprising a Laves phase of the C14 hexagonal type (MgZn.sub.2), characterized by the general formula: ##EQU1## where A represents at least one element from Ti, Y, Ce, Ca, and Mg, and where M is chosen from Cr, V, and Si.

Abstract: A hydrogen-occlusion alloy for an electrode of a sealed-type storage battery, said alloy comprising SLmNi.sub.a Co.sub.b Al.sub.c M.sub.d wherein SLm is a mixture of at least 70 wt. % lanthanum, 20 wt. % or less of neodymium and at least one other rare earth element, M is silicon or germanium, and a, b, c and d are as follows: 3.0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.3.8, 0.6.ltoreq.b<1.4, 0.3.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.7 and d is 0.01.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.0.05 when M is silicon and d is 0.01.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.0.3 when M is germanium.

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: The disclosure relates to a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for a negative electrode comprising: a main texture of Mm-Ni system having a crystal structure of CaCu.sub.5 type; and a plurality of compound phases having a crystal structure other than the crystal structure of CaCu.sub.5 type, where each of the compound phases are segregated in the main texture, and wherein a volume of each of the compound phases is less than about 10 .mu.m.sup.3. A distance between two adjacent compound phases should be less than about 100 .mu.m. In the hydrogen-absorbing alloy the compound phases should include an element selected from a group of boron (B), carbon (C), tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb), titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) and bismuth (Bi).

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrogen storage active material comprising an alloy having the formula MmNi.sub.5-x-y-z Zn.sub.x Q.sub.y R.sub.z, in which Q.dbd.Al, Ca and Sr, R.dbd.Li, Na and K, 0<x.ltoreq.1, 0<y.ltoreq.0.8 and 0<z.ltoreq.1. An alloy phase of zinc is formed between the surface coating and the alloy base after treatment of the alloy powder by surface plating. As a result, the electrochemical capacity as well as the life of the hydrogen storage alloy electrode formed is increased significantly while the cost is greatly reduced by employing Zn.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrode composed of an active material. This electrode comprises a composition of a hydrogen storage alloy powder possessed of relatively high electrochemical capacity with a formula of MmNi5-x-y-z AxByCz and a hydrogen storage alloy powder possessed of catalytic activity with a formula of D2-uE1-vFuGv wherein Mm is the mischmetal, A=Co, Cr, V; B=Mn, Sn, Be; C=Al, Ca, Mg, Zr, Nb; D=Mg, Al; E=Cu, Zn; F=Ca, Be; G=Sn, Bi; 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5, O.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.l.5, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.5, 0.ltoreq.u.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.v.ltoreq.0.5. The internal pressure of the alkali battery assembled with this electrode can be effectively lowered, the capacity and the cycle life of the sealed battery are improved, the activation period of the battery is shortened to 3-5 times, thus the crucial technical problem about industrial mass production of this kind of alkali batteries is surmounted.

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 rechargeable alkaline manganese cell provided, having improved capacity and improved energy density. The cell is anode limited, and each of the anode and cathode is physically dimensioned so that the anode has a capacity in the range of from about 55% to 100% of the theoretical one electron capacity of the cathode. The gravimetric energy density of the cell exceeds 70 Wh/kg, and the volumetric energy density of the cell exceeds 200 Wh/liter. Each of the anode and cathode may comprise additional additives. For example, the cathode may include additional hydrophobic materials and a porous additive such as carbon black so as to improve gas transport of hydrogen gas into the cathode where it is oxidized; and the anode may comprise hydrogen gassing inhibitors as well as hydrogen gas recombing agents.

Abstract: A rechargeable hydrogen storage cell comprising: a negative electrode having the composition:(Ovonic Base Alloy).sub.a M.sub.bwhere Ovonic Base Alloy represents an Ovonic alloy that contains 0.1 to 60 atomic percent Ti, 0.1 to 25 atomic percent Zr, 0.1 to 60 atomic percent V, 0.1 to 57 atomic percent Ni, and 0.1 to 56 atomic percent Cr, as described above; a is at least 70 atomic percent; M represents at least one modifier chosen from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Al, Fe, W, La, Mo, Cu, Mg, Ca, Nb, Si, and Hf; b is 0 to 30 atomic percent; b>0; and a+b=100 atomic percent; a positive electrode; and a separator of electrolyte retentive nylon or wettable polypropylene.

Abstract: The dimensions of an electrode group in each battery are set so as to obtain a relationship such as H >L>W, where H is the height of the electrode group, L is the width thereof and W is the thickness thereof, and the product K of the width L and the thickness W, that is, K=L.times.W, is set so as to fall in a range 10<K<100 while the space D between adjacent batteries is set so as to fall in a range of 0.02.ltoreq.D/W.ltoreq.0.3, thereby the efficiency of heat radiation of a battery module or a battery group is enhanced, and accordingly, the cycle life and the discharge capacity of the battery can be enhanced.

Abstract: An electrochemical metal-air cell for multiple discharge and recharge cycles, includes a housing for accommodating a replaceable metal electrode having a generally planar electrically conductive skeletal member encompassed by an active metal component. At least one generally planar, air permeable but liquid impermeable air electrode is installed at at-least one of the sides of the housing. An electrolyte is provided in contact with the metal and the air electrodes. One or more auxiliary electrodes each constituting a charging anode is engaged when electric current is applied thereto for effecting the reduction and regeneration of the active metal component in one mode of operation, during which the air electrode is disengaged. The charging anode is disengaged in another mode of operation. The metal electrode is removed from the housing to enable the mechanical replacement thereof and is recharged in situ when electric current is applied to the auxiliary charging anode to reduce oxidized active metal thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable power source comprising a fuel cell generating electricity using hydrogen as fuel, a hydrogen storage unit filled with hydrogen absorbing alloy for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell, a case enclosing the fuel cell and hydrogen storage unit, and a lid for sealing a part of the case when the portable power source is not in use, wherein the lid seals a surface of the case on which at least one air inlet for taking in the air necessary for the fuel cell to generate electricity and a reactant gas outlet for exhausting reactant gas produced by the generation of electricity are formed.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell comprising an active metal anode, an organic electrolyte and a cathode comprising a minor amount of V.sub.6 O.sub.13. The resulting cell has been found to be resistant to internal gas generation. The inclusion of V.sub.6 O.sub.13 is particularly useful in lithium/manganese dioxide cells.

Abstract: Metals useful in the formation of hydrides for applications such as batteries are advantageously activated by a low temperature low pressure process. This process which is useful at room temperature and atmospheric pressure involves treating the metal such as LaNi.sub.5 with boron reducing agents such as NaBH.sub.4.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention for producing a hydrogen-storing alloy, part or whole of single substance of Zr as a starting material is replaced with a ferrozirconium or a zircalloy. This method enables production of a hydrogen-storing alloy at reduced material and production costs and with high efficiency and safety of work. The alloy produced by this method has high homogeneity with no segregation. It is thus possible to obtain a hydrogen-storing alloy superior in hydrogen-storing characteristics such as hydrogen storage capacity, reaction speed, and electrode reaction efficiency in an electrolyte. It is also possible to obtain, by using this alloy, a nickel-hydrogen storage battery having a large storage capacity and capable of performing quick charging and discharging, while exhibiting longer life and higher economy.

Abstract: A disordered electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy and electrochemical cells having a negative electrode comprising this alloy, where the alloy has the composition(Base Alloy).sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c Al.sub.d Fe.sub.e La.sub.f Mo.sub.gwhere Base Alloy represents a disordered multicomponent alloy having at least one structure selected from the group consisting of: amorphous; microcrystalline; polycrystalline, lacking long-range compositional order with three or more phases of said polycrystalline structure; and any combination of these structures; b is 0 to 7.5 atomic percent; c is 0.1 to 8.5 atomic percent; d is 0 to 2.5 atomic percent; e is 0.1 to 6.5 atomic percent; f is 0 to 4.5 atomic percent; g is 0 to 6.5 atomic percent; b+c+d+e+f+g>0; and a+b+c+d+e+f+g=100 atomic percent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode including a hydrogen-absorbing alloy capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen reversibly, the electrode being characterized in that the hydrogen-absorbing alloy forms a multi-phase structure composed of at least these three phases, a main alloy phase, an alloy phase of Ti.sub.2 Ni system cubic-structure and an alloy phase of Ti-Ni system monoclinic-structure, and the main alloy phase has TiMo-based crystalline cubic-structure.

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 hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for use in an alkaline storage cell, comprising a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for reversibly absorbing and desorbing hydrogen; and a metal oxide or metal hydroxide existing in the state of a metal in a range of electric potential where said hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrochemically absorbs and desorbs hydrogen in an alkaline electrolyte.