Abstract
Thin composite cathodes for air reduction were manufactured using microfibre-based papermaking technology. The electrodes have a thin structural design, less than 0.15 mm in thickness. Composite cathode materials for oxygen reduction applications were fabricated by entrapping carbon particles in a sinter-locked network of 2–8 μm diameter metal fibres. The thin structure not only results in electrodes that are 30–75% thinner than those commercially available, but also offers an opportunity for custom-built air cathodes optimized for high-rate pulse applications. Using a thin composite structure for the air cathode in a zinc–air battery that is part of a zinc–air/capacitor hybrid is likely to increase the pulse capability of the hybrid power system. The thin cathode structure provides a better, more efficient three-phase reaction zone. In a half-cell test, the ultrathin air cathode generated more than 1.0 V vs Zn/ZnO for a current of 200 mA cm−2. Half-cell, full-cell and pulse-power tests revealed that thin composite cathodes have a better rate and pulse performance than the air cathodes commonly used.
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Zhu, W., Poole, B., Cahela, D. et al. New structures of thin air cathodes for zinc–air batteries. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 33, 29–36 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022986707273
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022986707273