Polymer role in advanced battery technology

A brief introduction to a new generation of sealed, rechargeable battery, a nickel metal hydride battery (Ni-MH), is presented in connection with the polymer role in battery technology and engineering.

Ni-MH batteries have higher energy density and better environmental friendliness than the conventional sealed nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, and accordingly the importance of the battery is increasing in the area of high-technology information, communication and audiovideo equipment.

In this article it is pointed out that the key technologies for Ni-MH batteries are: tridimensional nickel foam or mat for the positive nickel electrode substrate made by nickel plating of polyurethane foam or polyester nonwoven fabric; hydrogen-storage negative electrode treated with hydrophobic polymer; and modified polypropylene nonwoven fabric separator with permanent hydrophilic properties.

Moreover, the further importance of polymer science and technology to improve Ni-MH battery performance is described.