Negative current collector for zinc-alkaline battery

Abstract

Abstract PURPOSE:To retard the hydrogen evolution in a zinc-alkaline battery in which unamalgamated zinc alloy powder or low amalgam zinc alloy powder having an amalgamation rate of 2wt.% or less is used by forming a negative current collector itself or the surface in contact with a gelled negative electrode of the negative current collector with a copper base alloy containing lead and/or tin. CONSTITUTION:A current collector is formed with a copper base alloy containing 0.2-5wt.% Pb and 0.1-6wt.% Sn. By selecting this alloy, the current collector having practical strength and a practical hydrogen gas evolution limit is obtained. If 0.002-2wt.% at least one metal selected from the group comprising Be, Ti, Zr, Mn, Zn, Cd, Al, In, Si, P, and Bi in addition to Pb and/or Sn is added, the hardness and ductility are increased without a remarkable increase in hydrogen gas evolution. By using this negative current collector 5, hydrogen gas evolution is retarded in a zinc-alkaline battery even if unamalgamated zinc alloy powder or low amalgam zinc alloy powder is used as a negative active material. The performance deterioration, bulging, and electrolyte leakage of the battery during storage are also prevented.

Inventors

• 👤 Akira Hayashi

Bibliographic Details