Charge Storage Effects in Alkaline Cathodes Containing Fluorinated Graphite

Abstract

Enhanced charge storage effects are explored in aqueous alkaline cathodes containing fluorinated graphite (FG), when used to replace conventional carbons as the conductor in the cathode. Electrodes formed to accentuate this effect display approximately twice the expected cathode capacity. Discharge of alkaline Zn anode AAA cells prepared with cathodes containing 85-90% graphite and 10-15% of different cathode salts approach the expected theoretical mAh capacities of 406 313 308 292 NiOOH, and 231 However, equivalent cells, but formed with 85-90% FG and 10-15% of the respective cathode materials, discharge to approximately double this capacity per gram of AgO, NiOOH, BaFeO, or This anomaly is related to an observed intrinsic alkaline cathode capacity in FGs which does not occur in conventional graphites or carbon blacks. The FG polymers are observed to simultaneously maintain two roles in the cathode composite; functioning both as a conductive matrix, and also adding intrinsic capacity to the cathode. © 2001 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.