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Transient current distributions in porous zinc electrodes in KOH electrolyte

Journal Article · · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2123802· OSTI ID:5083102

Transient current distributions were measured in porous zinc electrodes at current densities from 24 to 240 mA/cm/sup 2/ in 7.24N KOH saturated with ZnO. The current distributions were highly nonuniform. The reaction penetration depth was initially about 0.015 cm and decreased gradually to about 0.008 cm at ''steady state'' The current distribution change occurring during passivation of the electrode was measured. The analysis of the experimental data indicates that the high nonuniformity of current distributions was due to high electrolyte resistance compared with both the charge-transfer resistance and the diffusion resistance of OH/sup -/ ions. A model incorporating a surface blockage mechanism by compact ZnO formation did not completely predict the observed passivation behavior of the electrode. 35 refs.

Research Organization:
Argonne Natl Lab, Ill
OSTI ID:
5083102
Journal Information:
J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 129:2; ISSN JESOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English