The Lightweight Nickel Fiber Electrode for Nickel-Based Battery Systems

Development of a high specific energy battery is one of the objectives of the lightweight nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H₂) program at the NASA Lewis Research center. The approach has been to improve the nickel electrode by continuing combined in house and contract efforts to develop a more efficient and lighter weight electrode for the nickel-hydrogen cell. Small fiber diameter nickel plaques are used as conductive supports for the nickel hydrogen active material. These plaques have an advantage of increased surface area available for the deposition of active material. Initial tests include activation and capacity measurements at different discharge rates followed by life cycling.