Surface modification of nickel battery electrodes by cobalt plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition
Nickel hydroxide is the electrochemically active material in the positive electrode of several important rechargeable alkaline-electrolyte batteries. It is believed that divalent Ni(OH){sub 2} is converted to trivalent NiOOH as the electrode is electrochemically oxidized during the battery charging process, and the reverse reaction (electrochemical reduction) occurs during battery discharge, however the details of this process are not completely understood. Because these electrochemical reactions involve surface charge-transfer processes, it is anticipated that surface modification may result in improved battery performance. We used broad-beam metal ion implantation and Metal Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation and Deposition to add cobalt and other species to the nickel electrode surface. The principle of the latter technique is explained in detail. It is shown that implanted and deposited cobalt ions act as a dopant of Ni(OH){sub 2}, and thereby alter its electronic conductivity. This electronic effect promotes lateral growth of NiOOH nodules and more-complete conversion of Ni(OH){sub 2} to NiOOH, which can be interpreted in terms of the nodule growth model. Other dopants such as Au, W, Pb, Ta and Ti{sub 4}O{sub 7} were also tested for suppressing the parasitic oxygen evolution reaction in rechargeable nickel cells.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 110778
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-36782; CONF-9502122-1; ON: DE96001111; CNN: EPRI Award 8042-03
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. international workshop in plasma-based ion implantation, Sydney (Australia), 12-15 Feb 1995; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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