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US 7,608,361 B2Granted
Alkali metal battery
OwnerJohn E. Staufferinventor
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Abstract
A storage battery is provided comprising appositive electrode of lead, a negative electrode of mercury, and an electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution of a salt of an alkali metal. Upon charging the battery, lead is converted to lead dioxide and the alkali metal forms the amalgam with the mercury. During discharge, the lead dioxide is reduced to the plumbous state and the alkali metal is oxidized to the positive ion and goes into solution. The mercury is immobilized in one of several alternative ways.
Claims10
A storage battery comprising:
- a casing:
- a positive electrode of lead-based material;
- a negative electrode of mercury;
- and
- an electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution of a salt of an alkali metal wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of sulfates, carbonates, phosphates, silicates and borates;
- and further wherein, upon charging, the lead-based material is converted to lead dioxide and an amalgam is formed from the mercury and the alkali metal, and, upon discharging, the lead dioxide is reduced and the alkali metal from the amalgam is oxidized to form a positive ion which goes into solution.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.