Thin lead dioxide electrodes for high current density applications in semi-bipolar batteries

In the present paper, Planté-formed, thin-foil lead dioxide electrodes for applications in a semi-bipolar battery construction have been studied using impedance measurements, phase characterization and galvanostatic cycling. The effect of interparticle contact, IR-drop, porosity and mechanical pressure on the cell capacity were investigated in order to gain information about capacity-limiting parameters at high current discharges. The results showed that a more porous electrode received a capacity loss due to increased IR-drop, which in turn was caused by a decreased interparticle contact. The interparticle contact was found to be more important than porosity as a capacity-limiting factor. By exerting an external pressure over the cell, it was possible to increase the initial capacity for high current density discharges.