The decomposition of Ag2O dissolved in KOH solutions was studied; effects of temperature, light, KOH concentration, Ag2O concentration, and additives on this decomposition were measured. At least two mechanisms are involved but the precise nature of these mechanisms is still unknown. Overvoltages for anodic and cathodic zinc electrode processes were measured by different methods. The presence of additives in the electrolyte had little effect on these overvoltages but overvoltages were markedly affected by KOH concentration and temperature. Amalgamation improved performance of the Zn electrode but this effect decreased with decreasing temperature. Ag contamination adversely affected cathodic Zn electrode processes. It appears that the beneficial effects of additives to the electrolyte are related to the presence of carboxyl groups and that the beneficial effects of additives to the Zn electrode are related to their wetting ability. (Author).

This book contains a novel combination of experimental and model-based investigations, elucidating the complex processes inside zinc air batteries. The work presented helps to answer which battery composition and which air-composition should be adjusted to maintain stable and efficient charge/discharge cycling. In detail, electrochemical investigations and X-ray transmission tomography are applied on button cell zinc air batteries and in-house set-ups. Moreover, model-based investigations of the battery anode and the impact of relative humidity, active operation, carbon dioxide and oxygen on zinc air battery operation are presented. The techniques used in this work complement each other well and yield an unprecedented understanding of zinc air batteries. The methods applied are adaptable and can potentially be applied to gain further understanding of other metal air batteries.

Contents: Zinc electrode, fundamental chemistry and electrochemistry; Silver electrode, fundamental chemistry and electrochemistry; Manufacture of electrodes; Separators; Cell and battery design features; Applications of zinc-silver oxide batteries; and Battery use, procurement, quality control, and reliability.

This book presents a detailed technical overview of short- and long-term materials and design challenges to zinc/bromine flow battery advancement, the need for energy storage in the electrical grid and how these may be met with the Zn/Br system. Practical interdisciplinary pathways forward are identified via cross-comparison and comprehensive review of significant findings from more than 300 published works, with clear in-depth explanations spanning initial RFB development to state-of-the-art research in related systems. Promising strategies described include the use of modern electrochemical techniques to study and optimize physical processes occurring within the system during operation, improving zinc electroplating quality during the charge phase through the strategic use of organic additives, as well as identifying suitable catalysts to optimize the bromine/bromide redox couple. The primary focus is on research and development of novel materials in the areas of electrolyte formulation and multifunctional “smart” electrode surfaces to achieve a higher degree of control over processes at the electrode–electrolyte interface. The strategies suggested in this book are also highly adaptable for use in other similar flow battery systems, while the unique cross-comparative approach makes it a useful reference and source of new ideas for both new and established researchers in the field of energy storage and battery technology.

A polarographic study has been made of zincate solutions. Zincate ions were introduced into KOH solution electrolytically and also be dissolving ZnO. No significant differences were found between these two kinds of zincate solutions. (Author).

Thirteen different materials were checked for their reaction towards silver oxide dissolved in potassium hydroxide solutions. Of these, the polyethylenes appear to have most promise as separator materials. Several attempts were made to trace the migration of silver in a silvercadmium cell by the use of radioactive silver. A method of counting the radioactivity is being developed. The main difficulty encountered in this study is the take-up of radioactive silver by the electrodes. This has obscured the interpretation of the results obtained to date. (Author).