Effect of CuO addition on electrochemical properties of AB3-type alloy electrodes for nickel/metal hydride batteries

In order to improve overall electrochemical properties of AB₃-type hydrogen storage alloy electrodes, especially the cycling stability, CuO was added to the electrode. Electrochemical properties of the electrodes with and without additives were studied. Cyclic voltammetry and SEM results show that CuO is reduced to Cu during the charging process and the fine Cu particles deposit at surface of the alloy particles. The as-deposited Cu particles form a protective layer to increase electronic and heat conductivity of the electrodes and thus improve maximum discharge capacity, high rate dischargeability, cycling stability and dischargeability at high temperature of the electrodes. The maximum discharge capacity increases from 314 mAh g⁻¹ (blank electrode) to 341 mAh g⁻¹ (3.0 wt.% CuO) and the capacity retention rate at the 200th cycle increases from 71.6% to 77.2% (2.5 wt.% CuO).