Quasi-solid synthesis of nano-Pb/C composites for enhanced performance of lead-acid battery

Abstract

Adding lead-carbon composite materials to the negative plate of lead-acid batteries can effectively improve the electrochemical performance of the battery. In this paper, a novel quasi-solid method is used to in-situ synthesize the nano-Pb/C composite as additives in the negative active material of lead-acid cells, which can greatly increase the utilization rate of negative active material and the initial discharge capacity of the lead-acid cell. Compared with the NC material, the nano-Pb/C composite effectively inhibits the hydrogen evolution reaction. In addition, since the nano-Pb/C composite and the negative active material in the negative plate form a porous framework, the diffusion of the electrolyte and the dissolution of PbSO4 are accelerated. The cell containing 1 wt.% nano-Pb/C composite has the best cycle performance (18,154 cycles) under high-rate partial-state-of-charge condition. All in all, the nano-Pb/C composite prepared via a new quasi-solid method has the advantages of improving the initial capacity and lifespan of lead-acid batteries, and it is a promising candidate material for lead-acid battery additives.