Although markets for alternative batteries, such as Li-ion, are growing, Pb-alloy batteries still dominate the market due to their low cost and good functionality. Even though these Pb-alloy batteries have been around since their discovery in 1859, little research involving advanced characterization techniques, such as synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD) and transmission electron diffraction (TEM) have been performed on Pb-alloys and sulfation, a failure mode in lead acid batteries, with regards to thermally- and electrochemically-induced changes at the atomic and microstructural scale. Therefore, there is a need to close this scientific gap between research and the application of Pb-alloy battery material. The main objectives of this research are to examine the process of sulfation and its growth mechanisms as well as to study the effects of minor alloying additions in Pb-alloy material. In the first case, nucleation and growth mechanisms of PbSO4 nano- and micro-particles in various solutions are examined using TEM to potentially reduce or control the buildup of PbSO4 on battery electrodes over time. The time dependency of particle morphology was observed using various reaction conditions. This insight can provide avenues to reduce unwanted buildup of PbSO4 on battery electrodes over time which can extend battery life and performance. This is followed by in situ SR-XRD studies of the grain growth and phase evolution associated with adding minor alloying elements, a varying combination of Sb, As, Ca, Sn, Al, In, Ba, and Bi, in Pb-alloy grid material during isothermal holds and thermal cycling. Additionally, sulfation studies were performed in H2SO4 solutions, and the Pb-alloys underwent cyclic voltammetry. Through this research, knowledge of elemental effects on Pb-alloys and corresponding sulfation effects provide insight into ways to extended the life and increase the efficiency of Pb-alloy batteries.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1944311 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Wall, Michael T |
| Contributors | Young, Marcus L., Aouadi, Samir, Mukherjee, Sundeep, Banerjee, Rajarshi, Hesterberg, Travis |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | Text |
| Rights | Public, Wall, Michael T, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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