Properties of cellulose separators for alkaline secondary batteries
- Viskase Corp., Chicago, IL (United States). Applied Technologies Div.
This paper discusses some of the properties of cellulose which influence the performance of battery separators. A review of the viscose process used to manufacture cellulosic separators is given as well as a look at using the viscose process to produce separator composites. Regenerated cellulose has been used as a separator in batteries for many years. In Ag-Zn systems, for example, it has proven effective due to its resistance to silver migration and zinc dendrites. How cellulose works has been investigated by many individuals. In Ag-Zn systems, for example, it is believed regenerated cellulose chemically reacts with soluble silver (which destroys the cellulose) and that it also physically inhibits the zinc dendrite. The tendency for cellulose to degrade in alkaline solutions has been addressed by using multiple layers of the separator in the battery. One way to minimize cellulose degradation in alkaline solutions has been to keep the KOH concentration high (around 45%). The rate of degradation slows down due to the KOH typing up the water used in the hydrolysis reaction. The other important aspects of the regenerated cellulose are molecular weight (degree of polymerization, DP) and purity.
- OSTI ID:
- 69735
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950121--; ISBN 0-7803-2459-5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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