Triethanolamine as an additive to the anode to improve the rechargeabilityof alkaline manganese dioxide batteries

Rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide batteries use a zinc paste anode wh ich undergoes shape change during charging, effecting its activity. A study on triethanolamine (TEA) as an additive to the zinc anode to control its s hape change and retain activity is made. Voltammetric studies showed the po tential of TEA in controlling shape change. Rechargeable alkaline manganese dioxide batteries are made in the laboratory and their cycle life characte ristics are compared with and without TEA in the anode. An improvement is n oticed in the cycle life capacity of the rechargeable alkaline manganese di oxide batteries with TEA especially after 12th cycle. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.