The Silver Oxide-Zinc Alkaline Primary Cell. Part 1: Effect of Temperature and of Volume and Concentration of Electrolyte on the Relationship Between Capacity and Current Density for a Cell Using Sheet-Zinc Negative Plates
Abstract
The outstanding properties of the silver oxide-zinc alkaline cell are its low weight, high current capacity, constant voltage, and high capacity at low temperatures. It is a primary cell of low shelf life containing an alkaline (KOH) electrolyte which is added immediately before use. During cell discharge, silver peroxide is reduced to silver at the positive electrode, and zinc is oxidized at the negative electrode. Experimental work, subjected to statistical control, showed that cell failure always occurs at the negative electrode if sufficient silver oxide is present at the positive plate. Presence of copper diminishes cell capacity. The physical structure of the silver electrode, and the method of preparation and of anodizing, can all be varied over wide limits without affecting cell capacity. Variations in electrode height and spacing do not affect cell capacity. All experiments were made using high-purity, sheet-zinc negative electrodes. It was found that cell capacity is directly proportional to electrolyte volume, to electrolyte concentration, and to amount of KOH present in the electrolyte, within certain limits which cover almost all cell designs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1949
- Accession Number
- ADB217536
Entities
People
- C. M. Shepherd
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory