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Polymer role in advanced battery technology
Author(s) -
Wada Moriyasu
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.1994.220051003
Subject(s) - materials science , separator (oil production) , nickel , battery (electricity) , polymer , polyester , polyurethane , electrode , polypropylene , organic radical battery , energy storage , composite material , metallurgy , power (physics) , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
A brief introduction to a new generation of sealed, rechargeable battery, a nickel metal hydride battery (Ni‐MH), is presented in connection with the polymer role in battery technology and engineering. Ni‐MH batteries have higher energy density and better environmental friendliness than the conventional sealed nickel cadmium (Ni‐Cd) batteries, and accordingly the importance of the battery is increasing in the area of high‐technology information, communication and audiovideo equipment. In this article it is pointed out that the key technologies for Ni‐MH batteries are: tridimensional nickel foam or mat for the positive nickel electrode substrate made by nickel plating of polyurethane foam or polyester nonwoven fabric; hydrogen‐storage negative electrode treated with hydrophobic polymer; and modified polypropylene nonwoven fabric separator with permanent hydrophilic properties. Moreover, the further importance of polymer science and technology to improve Ni‐MH battery performance is described.