Michael Glagla

Lead-acid batteries (LABs), followed by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), are currently the most important electrochemical storage technology from a societal and economic perspective. To extend the advantages and thus expand competitiveness, LABs, which have been neglected in the past, must meet the increased requirements and therefore continuously improve. Evonik takes up this topic and offers the possibility to improve existing systems by adding customized additives to LAB electrodes.

The focus of this presentation is on structural modifications of the positive and negative active mass (PAM and NAM) to increase overall porosity and to adjust the pore size distribution within the electrodes. Functionalization of the active masses with fumed metal oxides results in improved electrode plates with an increased porosity. The associated improvements in the electrolyte accessibility have a direct influence on the active mass utilization and thus on the forming efficiency and final battery capacity. In addition to creating a more advantageous pore size distribution, the use of fumed metal oxides as a coating on electrode materials such as leady oxide and red lead results in pastes with stable high density but lower viscosity and longer storage stability. Such paste characteristics are beneficial when it comes to maximum throughput in both continuous and batch production lines. This improved processability would therefore also be reflected in time and cost savings and thus also in a more sustainable production method. Evonik is continuously looking for new collaboration partners to support the development of next-generation lead-acid batteries.