Surface Morphology of Pb and PbO₂ Electrodes during Charge and Discharge in Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte Containing Some Additives

Abstract

The ITE Battery Research group has developed a new organic battery activator for new and used lead-acid batteries. The chemical composition of the activators is a mixture of the soluble organic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol and inorganic salts (metal ions). The detail morphological study are required for the formation of PbSO₄ on the electrode. This paper summarizes the effects of the organic activator and metal ions in the activator during the charge and discharge. The chemical redox reactions were carried out for Pb and PbO₂ powders with H₂O₂ in sulfuric acid. It is considered that these reactions give useful information for the electrode processes of lead-acid batteries. The experimental results support the basic concepts for life extension of lead-acid batteries by ITE activator.