A comparison of electrode manufacturing techniques for aerospace alkaline cells

Abstract

At the beginning of the space program electrodes for alkaline batteries used in space exploration were derivatives from industrial processes. Later on, electrodes were developed which were specific to space applications and had improved performance in terms of longer life, higher rate performance and lighter weight. Some of the electrode developments have been spun-off into aircraft and specialized industrial applications. Since this time the industrial processes have improved to the point of being somewhat comparable to the ones developed for aerospace. Development of new alkaline battery electrodes is continuing, but overall development priorities have been shifted toward electrodes for nonaqueous lithium-ion systems because of their high specific energy, smaller volume and higher voltage per cell. The following electrodes are discussed: nickel oxide electrodes, cadmium electrodes, hydrogen catalyst electrodes and zinc electrodes.