Electrode

ELECTRODE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Electrochemical storage batteries, and in particular, lead sulfuric acid storage batteries are ubiquitous in automotive applications. These batteries have electrochemical cells developing about 2.2 Volts each. Generally, six of these cells are connected in series to produce the 12 Volt battery known as an SLI (starting, lighting, ignition) battery common in automobile systems.

[0002] A generic lead acid battery cell has positive plates (electrodes), negative plates (electrodes), and an electrolyte, typically aqueous sulfuric acid (specific gravity about 1.28). The positive plate includes a current collector (grid) which supports chemically active positive material (hereinafter PAM). The negative plate also includes a grid, and negative active material (hereinafter NAM). The plates are held in a substantially parallel orientation and electrically isolated by a porous separator to allow free movement of charged ions.

[0003] Lead alloys are used in making both positive and negative grids. Expanded metal and cast grids are commonly used for making pasted plates. The active materials are applied to the grids in the form of a paste. The paste is made by mixing lead oxide, water, sulfuric acid and other minor additives. The compositions of the positive and the negative pastes are different.

[0004] Lead acid battery cells are quite unique because the electrolyte actively participates in the energy storage and release process, as represented schematically in Equations 1, 2, 3, and 4 below:

tion, grid microstructures, physical configuration, and the "curing/setting" forming process of making the plates.

[0007] Battery plates are made by a variety of methods. Historically, the processes by which plates are made (i.e., transformed) into positive electrodes have a number of common steps including: pasting, steaming, curing, pickling and/or forming. In pasting, a paste made by mixing water, sulfuric acid, lead and lead oxides is applied to the grid surface. The pasted grid may then be steamed (about 100° C. and 100% humidity) to facilitate crystal growth within the paste. The grid is then "cured" at controlled temperature and humidity conditions to "set" the paste, wherein the paste is chemically transformed into sulfates, hydroxides, carbonates, and other lead compounds through a series of complex hydration reactions requiring the presence of water and oxygen. These reactions take place within the paste itself, and between the paste and the grid metal. Importantly, curing produces a "corrosion layer" at the interface between the grid and the paste, which physically attaches paste to the grid and provides electrical communication between the PAM and the positive grid.

[0008] Once cured, the grids are assembled into a battery package and charging electrolyte added. By allowing the battery package to stand for a period of time, the grids are "pickled". An external electric current is then passed through the cells in the forming step wherein the battery is charged from the first time. A majority of the paste is converted into active materials (x Pb02) at the positive plate and Pb sponge at the negative plate. The charging electrolyte is then removed and the battery is filled with shipping electrolyte to render the battery ready for use.

[0005] In a fully charged state, PAM exists as Pb02 at the positive plate. The NAM exists as "sponge lead" at the negative plate. When the cell discharges, both active masses are converted in to PbS04 as shown in the above equations. As the cell is charged, via application of an external current, the reverse reactions take place to store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy as indicated above.

[0006] It is important to battery performance that the PAM be in physical and electrical contact with the positive grid. Accordingly, the PAM must be supported by, adhered and/or attached to, and in electrical communication with the positive grid for the battery to function properly. Separation of the PAM from the positive grid results in poor battery performance and ultimately in battery failure, which is defined herein as a battery no longer suitable for its intended purpose. This separation is affected by the physiochemical properties of the positive grid/plate such as alloy composi

[0009] The integrity of the corrosion layer is crucial to the operation of the positive plate and hence the performance of the battery for its intended use. The rate of growth of this layer is dependent upon many factors as mentioned above. Once the alloy composition of the positive grid has been selected, the temperature becomes the determining factor for battery life. The interfacial layer grows by diffusion of oxygen ions through the PAM to the grid metal and reacting to produce additional PAM. Higher temperature and charging potential aid this process. The volume of the oxide produced from the lead metal of the grid is larger (about 20-30%) than the metal volume. Consequently, this layer develops mechanical stresses, which result in fracture and spalling of oxide. The end result is separation and/or interruption of electrical contact between PAM and the grid (current collector). Hence, the battery looses its capacity and its useful life decreases.

[0010] The rate at which a chemical processes proceed is exponentially proportional to temperature. The corrosion layer growth rate accelerates under high temperature conditions (defined herein as above 50° C). Automobile underhood temperature has risen significantly due to design trends and space limitations. Therefore, SLI batteries are designed and tested for high temperature (about 75° C.) cycle life (SAE J240 Test).

[0011] Accordingly, it is desirable to improve, reduce or substantially eliminate high temperature effects on lead acid battery electrodes. In particular, to provide a longer usefullifetime of the battery, preferably utilizing materials and processes that provide an economic incentive in doing so.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Provided for herein is a positive electrode for a lead-acid battery having a heat-treated metal grid with an interconnected grain structure, wherein the grid is heattreated after being at least partially coated with a paste containing lead.

[0013] Also disclosed is a method of making a positive electrode for a lead-acid battery including applying a lead containing paste to a metal grid to produce a pasted grid, heating the pasted grid at a temperature and relative humidity sufficient to produce a cured grid, heat treating the cured grid at a temperature of at least 125° C, for a period of time sufficient to produce an interconnected grain structure (recrystallized grains) within the grid to produce a heat treated grid, and forming the electrode by assembling the heat treated grid into an electrochemical cell including a negative electrode and a sulfuric acid electrolyte, wherein an electric current is passed through the cell to convert at least a portion of the cured paste into lead oxides, preferably lead dioxide (Pb02).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The improved electrode will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several figures.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an expanded view of a lead acid cell;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an expanded view of a lead acid battery using the cell of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is photomicrograph at 200 times magnification (200x) of a Comparative Example electrode;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a photomicrograph at 200x of a Comparative Example electrode after J240 testing at 75° C;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a photomicrograph at 400x of an embodiment after heating and J240 testing at 75° C;

[0020] FIG. 6 is an photomicrograph at lOOx of a crosssection of a non-heat treated expanded metal grid;

[0021] FIG. 7 is an photomicrograph at 400x of a portion of the expanded metal grid in FIG. 6;

[0022] FIG. 8 is an photomicrograph at lOOx of a crosssection of an expanded metal grid after curing and heattreating; and

[0023] FIG. 9 is an photomicrograph at 400x of a portion of the expanded metal grid after curing and heat-treating of FIG. 8.

[0024] The improved electrode will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION

[0025] It has been discovered that an electrode suitable for use as a positive battery plate or grid, having improved high temperature performance can be obtained through heat treating an expanded metal grid after an applied paste has been cured (i.e., the paste has been set), but prior to pickling and/or forming of the cured electrode.

[0026] FIG. 1 depicts a two plate generic lead acid cell 2, including a positive electrode 4, a negative electrode 6, and an electrolyte 8, which in this case is aqueous sulfuric acid. The plates are held substantially parallel and electrically isolated by a porous separator 10 to allow free movement of charged ions. The positive active mass 12 is adhered to the surface of the positive grid of electrode 4 (hereinafter grid 4). FIG. 2 depicts a lead acid battery cell 3 having a plurality of cells as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] A suitable electrode grid has high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength sufficient to support the PAM, resistance to corrosion in sulfuric acid, and acceptable processability in formation of the grid. It has been discovered that grid composition and grid formation, both individually and in combination, affect the suitability of a grid. Specifically, while the properties of pure lead render it unacceptable for use as a grid material by itself (because pure lead grids are soft and simply fall apart during use), alloys of lead can be selected to impart the desired properties lacking in pure lead alone.

[0028] Alloying metals include antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), silver (Ag), barium (Ba), gold (Au) and calcium (Ca). Antimony alloys have been found to hydrolyze water during charging of the battery. Noble metal alloys (i.e., silver, gold and the like) improve grid conductivity and corrosion resistance, however, noble metals are expensive and result in poor PAM adhesion. Accordingly, the preferred grid material for use herein does not contain antimony and is noble metal free. "Noble metal free" is defined herein as essentially free of noble metals in that while noble metals may naturally occur in trace amounts within the metal alloy, they are not intentionally added to the composition. Sn and Ca are used to impart conductivity, strength and processability into the lead alloy, and do so without the above deleterious side effects. Thus, the preferred alloy for use herein includes lead, tin, and calcium (Pb—Sn—Ca). Preferably, the alloy includes an upper weight percent of lead (Pb Wt %) of about 99.5, with an upper Pb Wt % of about 99 desired, and an upper Pb Wt % of about 98.5 more desired. A lower Pb Wt % of about 50 can be employed, with a lower Pb Wt % of about 90 desired, and a lower Pb Wt % of about 98.3 more desired. Also, the alloy includes an upper weight percent of tin (Sn Wt %) of about 5, with an upper Sn Wt % of about 3 desired, and an upper Sn Wt % of about 2 more desired. A lower Sn Wt % of about 0.5 can be employed, with a lower Sn Wt % of about 1 desired, and a lower Sn Wt % of about 1.4 more desired. In addition, the alloy includes an upper weight percent of calcium (Ca Wt %) of about 1, with an upper Ca Wt % of about 0.5 desired, and an upper Ca Wt % of about 0.1 more desired. A lower Ca Wt % of about 0.01 can be employed, with a lower Ca Wt % of about 0.05 desired, and a lower Ca Wt % of about 0.07 more desired. The most preferred alloy composition includes 98.5 wt % Pb, 1.5 Wt % Sn, and 0.08 Wt % Ca (e.g., 98.5 Pb-1.5Sn0.08Ca).

[0029] Various processes may be used to form the grid including, for example, casting, punching, and expanding metal. In casting, molten lead alloy, often containing Sb to improve castability, is fed into molds to produce a grid without significant mechanical fabrication. Punching uses a die to cut a desired shape out of a lead alloy strip. Both casting and punching result in a relatively dense grid having strength adequate for use in lead acid batteries (i.e., they provide support for the PAM). However, both processes are costly, time consuming, and may require alloys inconsistent with optimal battery performance. By comparison, expanded metal grids are economical, and more suitable for the desired alloy composition. The use of expanded metal techniques includes making partial cuts in a metal strip, and then stretching (i.e., expanding) the strip normal to the cuts to produce the desired grid shape.

[0030] A positive plate is made by applying a paste to the expanded grid. The paste is made by mixing lead oxides (micron sized particles with metallic lead at the core and PbO layer on the outside), water, sulfuric acid, and other minor additives. Porous and thin paper is applied to both sides of the pasted plate. This helps in handling of the plates. The paste is applied to the grid (i.e., the grid is pasted) by wiping, extruding, coating and the like. Most preferably the paste is applied in a continuous process. Once pasted, the grids may be flash dried by being briefly (20-30 seconds) subjected to hot air (about 300 to 500° C.) to remove excess surface water. Next, the pasted grid may be "steamed" (i.e., about 100° C. and 100% humidity) for a period of time (i.e., typically around 2 to 4 hours or more) to promote the growth of crystals within the pasted layer prior to curing, wherein the paste is "set" onto the grid surface.

[0031] Curing includes holding the pasted plates to a temperature at least about 35° C, more preferably at least about 45° C, with a temperature of at least about 50° C. being more desired. An upper temperature of about 75° C. can be employed, with an upper temperature of about 65° C. desired, and an upper temperature of about 55° C. more desired. Because curing requires water, the process is carried out at a relative humidity of at least about 10, more preferably at least about 15, with a relative humidity of at least about 20% being more desired. An upper relative humidity of about 100% can be employed, with an upper relative humidity of about 70% desired, and an upper relative humidity of about 50% more desired. The time required for the curing process depends on the curing temperature and humidity, as well as the composition of the past. A typical curing time is at least about 20, preferably at least about 30, most preferably at least about 40 hours. The curing step requires a time at most about 200, preferably at most about 150, more preferably at most about 100 hours.

[0032] The improvement in the high temperature performance of lead acid batteries described herein results from the cured grids being heat-treated prior to pickling (if done) and/or forming of the electrode. As used herein, heattreating includes subjecting the cured grid to a temperature, for a period of time sufficient to produce an interconnected grain structure within the metal grid.

[0033] In particular, heat-treating includes heating the cured grid (i.e., by placing the cured grids in an oven) at a temperature at least about 100°, with a temperature at least about 125° desired, and a temperature at least about 150° C. more desired. In practice, the upper heat treating temperature is limited by the melting and/or softening point of the metal grid itself, as such, an upper temperature of about 500° is desired, with an upper temperature of about 250° C. more desired.

[0034] In combination with temperature is the period of time required to produce the interconnected grain structure within the metal grid. At the above temperatures, a time at least about 1, with a time of at least about 2 desired, and a time of at least about 4 hours is more desired. The time required is also a function of the metal grid composition, as well as other conditions including, for example, the use of different heat transfer mediums, (inert gas, reactive gas, air, oil, sand and the like), discrete temperatures cycles and/or temperature programming including the controlled ramping of the temperature up or down, over at least one discrete temperature range, over at least one discrete time interval, for a determined number of times each, all of which are readily determined by one of skill in the art without undue experimentation.

[0035] The effects of heat-treating on the microcrystalline structure of the metal grid are obvious upon visual comparison between cross-sections of heat-treated cured grids and non heat-treated grids of the same type and composition. Specifically, microscopic evaluation of a non heat-treated expanded metal grid show flow lines from the expansion event. In contrast, the same evaluation of the cross-section of the heat-treated cured grid as disclosed herein shows a reduction, if not total elimination, of the flow lines seen prior to heat-treating. In addition, after heat-treating, the interconnected grain structure within the grid is readily discernable. In fact, the grain structure found represents a recystalized interconnect grain structure.

[0036] It is important to understand that heat-treating as used herein is different than curing. Curing results in complex chemical processes wherein the paste is transformed (i.e. "set"). Heat-treating, however, affects the microcrystalline structure of the metal grid, but does not substantially affect the physiochemical properties of the cured paste. In fact, experimental results show little change in paste properties when a cured plate was heat-treated at 200° C. for 4h (e.g., surface area: 0.673 vs. 0.613 m2/g before and after heat-treating).

[0037] Also, heat-treating is conducted at temperatures in excess of those required for curing, but necessary for heattreating. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that by heat-treating the grid after curing (i.e., setting the paste), the "set" paste holds the grid intact to allow the interconnected grain structure to form without adversely affecting the structure of the set paste and corrosion layer. This is in contrast to heat-treating the relatively soft metal grid alone