A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF ZINC-POLYANILINE ELECTROCHEMICAL-CELLS HAVING SULFATE AND CHLORIDE ELECTROLYTES

Polyaniline (PANI) films were investigated at 20 degrees C as the posi tive electrodes for Zn/PANI secondary cells containing either 1 M ZnCl 2, 0.5 M NH4Cl or 1 M ZnSO4, 0.18 M (NH4)(2)SO4 electrolytes, respecti vely, at pH=4.5, Cyclic voltammograms showed similar behaviour for the thin PANI films as those in highly acid media. From the discharge cur ves specific capacities were calculated of 127-130 Ah kg(-1) for the Z n/PANI, Cl- cell and 82-107 Ah kg(-1) for the Zn/PANI, SO42- cell. Cha rging limit values of 1.48 V for the Zn/PANI, Cl- cell and 1.52 V for the Zn/PANI SO42- cell were obtained in order to prevent the electroch emical inactivation of the polymer. After 20 to 30 cycles the capacity of both cells decreases rapidly and then levels off. The self-dischar ge process is important only in the first approximately 80 h, after wh ich the open-circuit voltage remains constant. Zn/PANI, Cl- cell showe d better electrical characteristics for use as a secondary system.