Development of an Improved Separator Material for Alkaline Silver-Zinc Batteries.

摘要

This work was a preliminary investigation to determine if polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) or a codispersed mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with PPQ could be used to replace cellophane as a separator in the zinc-silver oxide battery. The primary purpose was to compare its dimensional and chemical stability with cellophane and to determine if methods could be developed to lower its high inherent electrical resistance. Dimensional measurements were made in 45% KOH at 298 K (25 C) and 353 K (80 C). Chemical stability to oxidation was observed in KOH solution saturated with silver oxide at 353 K. In an effort to lower the resistance of these thin film membranes, various methods were studied to develop porosity. Included among these were extraction of the PVP in boiling water, pyrolysis of the PVP, swelling of the films with phenol, and precipitation of the PPQ from acetone. Increasing the molecular weight of the PVP appears very promising and additional studies are recommended since these polymers have good potential use as separators. (Author)