IMPROVING THE FORMATION EFFICIENCY OF THE POSITIVE PLATES OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY BY EXPOSURE TO 03 ATMOSPHERE

摘要

The formation efficiency of pasted positive plates of a lead-acid battery is greatly enhanced by providing in situ a layer of lead dioxide (PbO2) on the pasted plate surfaces prior to formation. The PbO2 layer is preferably formed by treating the surfaces of the plates with an ozone-enriched gas to convert a portion of the poorly conductive positive active precursor material (nPbO.PbSO4) to electrically conductive PbO2. In subsequent electrochemical formation of the plates, the total formation charge can be reduced significantly while obtaining more complete conversion of the paste to positive active material. The method also provides an effective substitute for conventional curing of pasted positive plates.