Addition Agents for Negative Plates of Lead-Acid Storage Batteries

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The performance characteristics of the magnesium anode have been studied in the laboratory under carefully controlled conditions of operation. The methods and apparatus used for this investigation are illustrated and discussed. The effects on anode performance of such variables as current density, anode composition, impurities, electrolyte pH, and electrolyte composition have been investigated and are reported. The general conclusions derived from this work are as follows: (1) The potential of the magnesium anode is ample for cathodic protection purposes in most naturally occurring electrolytes. (2) Both anode current efficiency and the uniformity of anode consumption improve with increasing current density. Efficiencies of 50% to 60% (≅ 500 to 600 amp.‐hr./lb.) are obtained with magnesium alloy anodes for current densities in excess of 50 to 100 milliamp./sq. ft. (5.4 to 10.8 milliamp./dm.2). (3) The high purity Mg‒Al and Mg‒Al‒Zn alloys perform much more efficiently than pure commercial magnesium at current densities up to about 700 milliamp./sq. ft. (75 milliamp./dm.2). Of the various compositions tested, the Mg‐6‐Al‐3‐Zn‐O.2% Mn alloy exhibits the best overall performance characteristics. (4) Saturated aqueous solutions of either or provide the most generally satisfactory electrolytes for magnesium anode operation. An electrolyte pH of 9.5 to 10.5 is optimum. Higher pH values produce polarization and lower pH values reduce current efficiency by stimulating local corrosion.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: