Lead-zinc battery

Abstract

A rechargeable battery is provided such that the positive electrode comprises lead dioxide, the negative electrode zinc, and the electrolyte is alkaline. Upon discharge, the lead dioxide is reduced to lead oxide, the zinc is oxidized to zinc oxide, and the electrolyte remains unchanged. The reactions are reversed when the battery is charged.

1 . A storage battery comprising: 
 (a) a positive electrode of lead dioxide;    (b) a negative electrode of zinc; and    (c) an alkaline electrolyte.    
     
     
         2 . A storage battery of  claim 1  in which the alkaline electrolyte is an aqueous solution of a hydroxide of a alkali metal selected from the group lithium, sodium, potassium, and cesium.  
     
     
         3 . A storage battery of  claim 1  in which the alkaline electrolyte is an aqueous solution of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide.  
     
     
         4 . A storage battery of  claim 1  in which the alkaline electrolyte contains a buffering agent selected from the group carbonates, borates, silicates, and phosphates.  
     
     
         5 . A storage battery comprising: 
 (a) a positive electrode of lead dioxide,    (b) a negative electrode of zinc,    (c) an alkaline electrolyte, and    (d) a buffering agent.    
     
     
         6 . The storage battery of  claim 5  in which the alkaline electrolyte is an aqueous solution of a hydroxide of an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium and cesium.  
     
     
         7 . Two storage battery of  claim 5  in which the alkaline electrolyte is an aqueous solution of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide.  
     
     
         8 . A storage battery comprising: 
 a positive electrode of lead dioxide;    a negative electrode of zinc;    an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the alkaline electrolyte is an aqueous solution containing a hydroxide of an alkali metal or a hydroxide of tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide; and    a buffering agent selected from the group consisting of carbonates, borates, silicates, and phosphates.