A safe long-life high energy stabilized nickel-zinc rechargeable battery

A zinc/nickel-oxide rechargeable battery using a chemistry that results in stable performance of the zinc anode without adversely affecting the nickel electrode is presented. The consequence is a major enhancement of the cycle life capability with retention of the markedly high practical energy density (both gravimetric and volumetric) of the Ni/Zn system. Advanced prototype vented prismatic cells of 15, 60 and 225 Ah capacities were cycles at an 80% depth of discharge (DOD) and demonstrated a life of 600-1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 55 to 75% depending on conditions of use. Superior low-temperature, high-rate performance has also been obtained. The development and use of a lightweight positive plate substrate material led to a further enhancement of specific energy. A Ni/Zn battery system suitable for near-term practical applications in large-capacity cells, including passenger car and truck SLI batteries as well as long-term deep-cycle applications for electric vehicles, is also discussed