Impact of anion exchange surface of permeable separator on performance of zinc alkaline primary battery

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Improvement in zinc alkaline battery performance through highly conductive materials, the introduction of anion-exchange coated filter papers and their huge promise for industrial use are the general aims of this work. Moreover, this work presents the significance of solid phase transport mechanisms in the separator and studies the effect of materials, architecture and separator distance at high discharge rate. The mechanism of ion-conduction improvement in alkaline media by quaternary ammonia groups substituted on PSF chains is introduced, which is in agreement with our previous modeling work. The electrochemical properties of corresponding improvements are studied, and interactions between polymer-solvent system (polyelectrolyte) and substrates (common filter papers available on the market: Fisher P8, Whatman GF-A and GF-D, and PallFlex Membrane) are investigated. Eventually, the best substrate for solid ion functionalization in terms of compatibility with electrolytes, polyelectrolytes and flow rate is introduced. A new EIS method has been developed to evaluate the ionic conductivity of a battery separator. As a result, PallFlex and Whatman GF-A are the author's choice for functionalization.