Porous carbon matrix modified with copper and lead as a positive plate current collector for carbon lead-acid battery

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, the experimental current collector based on a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC®) matrix modified with copper and lead was obtained and examined for usage as the current collectors of lead-acid batteries. The collectors under investigation were obtained using galvanic methods. Electrochemical tests of the obtained collectors were carried out using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic gravimetric corrosion rate test. The morphology and metal coating compositions were analyses based on the results obtained by utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with an X-ray dispersion analyzer (EDS). The measurements indicated the feasibility of obtaining a collector with a metallic copper-lead bilayer that remains stable under the operating conditions of the positive plate. However, the corrosion resistance of the collector relies on the durability of the outer lead coating. At the same time, incorporating a copper layer enables a reduction in charge transfer resistance during the electrode process.