Method for preparing solid-state polymer zinc-air battery

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for fabricating solid-state alkaline polymer Zn-air battery, which consists of a zinc-gel anode, an air cathode electrode, and alkaline polymer electrolyte. The formulation of said zinc gel anode is similar to that of alkaline Zn—MnO 2 battery. The zinc gel anode contains a mixture of electrolytic dendritic zinc powders, KOH electrolyte, gelling agent and small amount of additives. The air cathode electrode is made by carbon gas diffusion electrode, which comprises two layers, namely gas diffusion layer and active layer. The active layer on the electrolyte side uses a high surface area carbon for oxygen reduction reaction and potassium permanganate and MnO 2 as catalysts for oxygen reduction. The diffusion layer on the air side has high PTFE content to prevent KOH electrolyte from weeping or climbing. Due to adequate amount of fresh air and oxygen supply, the air cathode electrode can run continuously. Theoretically, the polymer zinc-air battery is an accumulator if the cell has sufficient zinc powder and electrolyte, and the air cathode plays the role of energy transfer.

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . Process for zinc gel anode, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) weighing proper amount of hydrogen inhibitors, adding in alkaline metal solution and mixing to let the inhibitor distribution uniformly; and    (b) adding 1˜7 wt % dendritic zinc powder into the solution prepared in the foregoing step and vibrating the mixture in ultrasonic device, then adding 0.5˜10 wt % polymer gelling agent and mixing uniformly into gel.    
   
   
       10 . The process according to  claim 9  wherein said hydrogen inhibitor may be zinc oxide, indium acetate, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide or barium oxide.  
   
   
       11 . The process according to  claim 9  where said polymer gelling agent may be CMC, PVA, starch, poly-acrylic polymer gelling agent or cellulose, etc.  
   
   
       12 . The process according to  claim 9  wherein the optimum amount of said gelling agent is 1˜2 wt %.  
   
   
       13 - 14 . (canceled)