Alkaline collector anode

Abstract

An alkaline battery comprising a cathode, an alkaline electrolyte, and a copper-based anode that, in the absence of a protective coating or plating, reduces hydrogen outgassing to less than that observed with tin-plated 260 brass 50% of gas. An alloy for battery anodes that reduces hydrogen outgassing to less than 50% of that observed with tin-plated 260 brass in the absence of a protective coating or plating, by weight percent, said The alloy contains 0.01% to 9.0% tin, not more than 1% phosphorus, not more than 1% impurity elements and impurities, and the balance copper. Another alloy for battery anodes that reduces hydrogen outgassing to less than 50% of that observed with tin-plated 260 brass in the absence of a protective coating or plating, on a wt% basis. The alloys contain 1.0% to 40% zinc, about 0.01% to 5.0% tin, not more than 1% phosphorus, not more than 1% impurity elements and impurities, and the balance copper.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 414,704, filed November 17, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates generally to batteries, and more particularly to alkaline batteries, which include a cathode, a current-collecting anode, and an alkaline electrolyte. The present disclosure further relates to copper-based alloys that may be used in anodes. Background technique [0004] Batteries generally include an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. Batteries with alkaline electrolytes are known to be prone to hydrogen gassing. Hydrogen gas is produced by corrosion of the current collecting anode material. Excessive gassing can be undesirable because it can cause cell perforation and leakage of the alkaline electrolyte, which can shorten the shelf life and reduce the safety of the battery during storage and / or use...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, performing this treatment can be expensive and there is a need to further reduce electrode outgassing (preferably without introducing protective coatings or platings)