Silver Migration and Transport Mechanism Studies in Silver Oxide-Zinc Batteries

摘要

Methods for testing the ability of separator materials to allow the diffusion of dissolved silver oxides, zincate ions, and hydroxide ions, have been checked to determine the reproducibility of the diffusion rates obtained by these methods. The results have also been studied to determine the applicability of Fick's first law of diffusion to these processes. The use of surfactants in the electrolyte and in the zinc electrodes has been studied. The effect of these substances on cycle life and on various zinc electrode processes was measured. The greatest effects noted were those associated with the zinc electrode processes. Various aspects of the decomposition of silver oxide in aqueous KOH were studied, particularly the effect of solid materials, some ions, and separator materials. A possible mechanism for these effects is given. This decomposition is very closely related to the deposition of silver on the separators in silver-alkaline batteries. (Author)