Effect of some elements on oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution at lead-acid battery negative plates

Abstract The effects which the impurities As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn and Te have on the processes of hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction on the negative plates of lead-acid batteries have been tested. This was done by measuring the gas pressure in sealed vessels containing cycled, wet, negative plates. The addition of As, Co, Ni, Sb and Te to the electrolyte used during the cycling increases the hydrogen ion discharge rate, whereas Cr, Bi and Sn have the opposite effect. In the case of oxygen, As, Bi, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, and Te promote its reduction while Co and Cr suppress it. The effect of impurity concentration has also been considered.