Studies on the effect of cobalt addition to the nickel hydroxide electrode

Ni(OH)₂ electrodes are known to take up potassium and lithium ions from electrolytes on cycling. The present study revealed lower levels of adsorption of potassium and lithium in the case of cobalt co-deposited -nickel hydroxide electrodes although similar uptake patterns were clearly visible. At room temperatures, addition of cobalt has also been found to be advantageous in so far as the electrode performance on repeated cycling in 1 M LiOH+4 M KOH is concerned. In pure KOH, however, cobalt addition has been found to have a detrimental effect on the life of the electrode although an easier charging process is observed in the initial stages. Increase in the end-of-charge potential in lithiated electrolyte was found to be a direct consequence of lithium adsorption by the cobalt co-deposited -nickel hydroxide electrodes.