Investigation of polysulfone-based separator on the discharge performance of the primary manganese dioxide- zinc battery

Separator in a primary manganese dioxide-zinc battery is an ion exchange membrane of potassium hydroxide electrolyte and a barrier to the transfer of active material ions from the cathode and anode, as well as a barrier against the contact of the cathode and anode. The proper separator in a manganese dioxide-zinc battery should have long-term chemical, electrochemical and mechanical resistance in the 45% by weight potassium hydroxide electrolyte. In this research, polysulfone has been selected as a polymer with outstanding separation properties in a primary manganese dioxide-zinc battery, and its chemical resistance and galvanostatic discharge performance have been evaluated. This separator is prepared by casting method and has a thickness of 200 microns, which is wrapped in an S shape around the cathode and anode. The destruction of less than 5% per months and the discharge potential of 1.5 V indicate the appropriate quality of the polysulfone separator in this battery.