High efficiency iron electrode and additives for use in rechargeable iron-based batteries

A nickel-iron rechargeable battery comprising

• a. an iron electrode comprising carbonyl iron, a polymeric binder, and a bismuth oxide additive;
• wherein the iron electrode is porous;
• b. a nickel electrode spaced from the iron electrode;
• and
• c. an alkaline electrolyte in contact with the iron electrode and the nickel electrode.

A nickel-iron rechargeable battery comprising

• a. an iron electrode comprising carbonyl iron, a polymeric binder and a bismuth oxide additive;
• wherein the iron electrode is porous;
• b. a nickel electrode spaced from the iron electrode;
• and
• c. an alkaline electrolyte in contact with the iron electrode and the nickel electrode.

A method for manufacturing an iron electrode for use in an iron-based rechargeable battery, the method comprising:

• a. combining carbonyl iron powder with a polymeric binder and a bismuth sulfide additive to create a mixture;
• wherein the bismuth sulfide additive is present in an amount from 5 to 10 w/w % of the weight of the mixture;
• and
• b. coating a metallic grid with the mixture.