Influence of silica colloidal on the performance of gel valve-regulated lead-acid batteries

The gel electrolyte is a key factor modify the performance of lead-acid batteries. Two conventional gelators, colloidal and fumed silica, are studied. A gel electrolyte is prepared by mixing the Silica colloidal and Na2SO4 with sulphuric acid. The electrochemical properties illustrate that the gel electrolyte can suppress the oxygen evolution reaction, reduce the resistance to charge transfer at open circuit potential (increasing in OCP), increase the initial capacity, reduce water loss, demonstrating that it is a promising gel electrolyte for lead acid batteries. Electrochemical behavior and battery performance under 100% DoD were investigated. Increasing the SiO2 concentration led to quicker gelling times and hard gels. The cyclic tests indicate the proper performance of the gel electrolyte.