Voltammetric characteristics of smooth lead electrodes in sulfuric acid and TydrolyteTM solutions part 2. the Pb/PbSO4 potential region

Abstract

The effects of 1.265 g•mL−1 Tydrolyte™ solution on the processes taking place on a smooth lead electrode were evaluated and compared to regular battery electrolyte in the Pb/PbSO4 potential region. At these potentials, cyclic voltammetry and potentiodynamic sweep techniques were used to simulate the conditions of a lead-acid battery negative plate. It was found that the potentials of lead oxidation and of lead sulfate reduction remained unchanged in the alternative electrolyte; however, the rate of formation and growth of lead sulfate was affected. For the Pb-Tydrolyte system, the rate of lead sulfate formation and growth was inhibited during the initial stages of cycling, but then increased and eventually became comparable to the Pb-sulfuric acid system after longer cycling. Tafel analysis confirmed that the overpotential of hydrogen evolution was lowered for the Pb-Tydrolyte system, which could introduce possible undesirable effects in the lead-acid battery at high charge voltages. The higher hydrogen reaction rate for Tydrolyte is discussed and mitigation strategies are proposed.