Carbon nanomaterial compounds as negative active material enhancers

Agenda for
5-9 September
2022

Miguel Garcia

Research Scientist, Exide Group

This work studies the effect of advanced conductive carbon nanomaterials on the performance of negative active masses of lead acid batteries. The objective of this study is to increase the dynamic charge acceptance (DCA) and cycle life of the batteries at partial state of charge (PSoC) by reducing sulfation and improved conductivity of the NAM (negative active material).

Preliminary electrochemical and electrical results at 2 V/ 22Ah cells are showing promising benefits versus control batteries (containing other carbon compounds in its composition) with no detrimental effects regarding the high conductivity of the additives (i.e. increased water loss).

In a future stage of the project, an optimization in the additive dosage will be carried out to find out the best benefit/price ratio to improve the characteristics of the batteries without compromising its economic viability.

Co-authors: Jesus Valenciano, Alberto F. Romero and Holger Fricke

Bio

Miguel graduated in chemistry and holds a PhD in fine chemistry (2013) both by the University of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid). His research experience has been always related to electrochemistry, starting with sensors and biosensors modified with nanomaterials and coupled to microfluidic sensors during the doctoral thesis; afterwards he worked as postdoc in the University of Twente (The Netherlands) developing sensors for gas and aqueous samples for its use in medical devices. He continued his career in Spain in the startup Protheus technologies developing biosensors for medical devices too. In 2019 he moved to Exide Technologies and joined the electrochemical lab contributing with his experience to the improvement of the products developed in the company.