Hydroponics gel as a new electrolyte gelling agent for alkaline zinc–air cells

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 103; no. 1; pp. 34 - 41
• Main Authors: Othman, R., Basirun, W.J., Yahaya, A.H., Arof, A.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 30-12-2001; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Gelling agent; Hydroponics gel; KOH electrolyte; Zinc oxide crystals; Zinc–air cell; Zinc–air cell; Gelling agent; KOH electrolyte; Hydroponics gel; Zinc oxide crystals; Alkaline electrolyte; Performance evaluation; Potassium hydroxide; Zinc air batteries; Nutrient solution; Colloid electrolyte; Secondary cell; Aqueous electrolyte; Electric batteries
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-7753(01)00823-0

The viability of hydroponics gel as a new alkaline electrolyte gelling agent is investigated. Zinc–air cells are fabricated employing 12
wt.% KOH electrolyte immobilised with hydroponics gel. The cells are discharged at constant currents of 5, 50 and 100
mA. XRD and SEM analysis of the anode plates after discharge show that the failure mode is due to the formation of zinc oxide insulating layers and not due to any side reactions between the gel and the plate or the electrolyte.