Non-toxic alkaline electrolyte with additives for rechargeable zinc cells
OwnerLin-Feng Liinventor
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Abstract
An electrolyte composition for zinc-based electrochemical cells that contains KOH and potassium acetate (KAcet) and/or soluble salts of cesium. The electrolyte significantly eliminates shape change and dendrite growth while retaining high ionic conductivity. Anticorrosion compounds such as soluble indium compounds may be included alone or in combination with auxiliary anticorrosion compounds such as soluble tin compounds to improve charged stand and shelf life. Optionally, lithium hydroxide may be added to the electrolyte to facilitate charge acceptance of the positive electrode, particularly at cold temperatures.
Claims20
An electrolyte for a rechargeable cell having a zinc electrode, said electrolyte comprising:
- KOH, wherein the range of concentration of KOH is from approximately 1% to approximately 55%;
- and
- a soluble cesium salt.
A method of improving the performance of zinc-based electrochemical cells, said method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining an electrochemical cell comprising a zinc-based negative electrode, a positive electrode and a separator;
- adding an electrolyte to said electrochemical cell, wherein said electrolyte comprises KOH and at least one cesium salt;
- optionally, adding LiOH to said electrolyte in a concentration from approximately 0.1% to approximately 30%;
- and
- charging and discharging said electrochemical cell.
An electrolyte for zinc-based electrochemical cells, said electrolyte comprising:
- KAcet from approximately 0.1% to approximately 50%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.