Thin lead dioxide electrodes for high current density applications in semi-bipolar batteries

In the present paper, Plante-formed, thin-foil lead dioxide electrodes for applications in a semi-bipolar battery construction have been studied using impedance measurements, phase characterization and galvanostatic cycling. The effect of interparticle contact, IR-drop, porosity and mechanical pressure on the cell capacity were investigated in order to gain information about capacity-limiting parameters at high current discharges. The results showed that a more porous electrode received a capacity loss due to increased IR-drop, which in turn was caused by a decreased interparticle contact. The interparticle contact was found to be more important than porosity as a capacity-limiting factor. By exerting an external pressure over the cell, it was possible to increase the initial capacity for high current density discharges. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.