Alkali Metal Battery

• US 20090053596A1
• Filed: 08/22/2007
• Published: 02/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: JES Technology, LLC
• Original Assignee: John E. Stauffer
• Inventors: Stauffer, John E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,608,361 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/188
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/02 Details of electrodes H01M4/00; of non-active parts H01M50/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/22 Selection of materials as electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/24 Alkaline accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/26 Selection of materials as electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/36 Accumulators not provided for in groups H01M10/05-H01M10/34
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2300/0002 Aqueous electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/24 Electrodes for alkaline accumulators
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/38 of elements or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/40 Alloys based on alkali metals
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/56 of lead
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A storage battery is provided comprising appositive electrode of lead, a negative electrode of mercury, and an electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution of a salt of an alkali metal. Upon charging the battery, lead is converted to lead dioxide and the alkali metal forms the amalgam with the mercury. During discharge, the lead dioxide is reduced to the plumbous state and the alkali metal is oxidized to the positive ion and goes into solution. The mercury is immobilized in one of several alternative ways.

Claims

1. A storage batter comprising:

a. A positive electrode of lead-based material,

b. A negative electrode of mercury, and

c. An electrolyte consisting of an aqueous solution of a salt of an alkali metal.

2. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is lithium.

3. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is sodium.

4. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is potassium.

5. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is rubidium.

6. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is cesium.

7. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is sulfate.

8. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is carbonate.

9. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is phosphate.

10. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is silicate.

11. A storage battery of claim 1 in which the alkali metal is borate.

12. A storage battery of claim 1 in which means are provided for immobilizing the mercury.

13. A storage battery of claim 2 in which the immobilizing means includes a solid substrate to which the mercury is bonded.

14. A storage battery of claim 13 in which the solid substrate is graphite.

15. A storage battery of claim 12 in which the immobilizing means is a semipermeable membrane between the mercury and the electrolyte.