Triethanolamine as an additive to the anode to improve the rechargeability of alkaline manganese dioxide batteries

Rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide batteries use a zinc paste anode which undergoes shape change during charging, effecting its activity. A study on triethanolamine (TEA) as an additive to the zinc anode to control its shape change and retain activity is made. Voltammetric studies showed the potential of TEA in controlling shape change. Rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide batteries are made in the laboratory and their cycle life characteristics are compared with and without TEA in the anode. An improvement is noticed in the cycle life capacity of the rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide batteries with TEA especially after 12th cycle. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.