Application of a novel gelled-electrolyte in valve-regulated lead-acid batteries with tubular positive plates

A polysiloxane-based gel electrolyte (PBGE) was prepared and used as a novel gel electrolyte in valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries with tubular positive plates. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that PBGE is more stable than fumed-silica gel electrolyte (FSGE). The properties of AGM (absorptive glass mat)-PBGE and PVC-FSGE tubular batteries were investigated by electrochemical techniques. The results showed that the AGM-PBGE tubular batteries have higher initial discharge capacity and better high-low temperature performance than PVC-FSGE. The improved electrochemical performance of the AGM-PBGE batteries may result from the high charge efficiency and the open three-dimensional network structure of PBGE. SEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy showed that PBGE facilitates the conversion of the active-mass to lead dioxide, presenting a high formation efficiency. The addition of PBGE instead of FSGE not only simplifies the manufacturing process of tubular gel batteries, but also improves the utilization efficiency of positive active material (PAM), thus enhancing the battery performance and reducing the manufacturing cost.