Fundamental studies of the behaviour of antimony in the lead-acid battery

Dawson, JL

Abstract

One of the technological problems associated with the lead-acid battery is the self-discharge of the negative plate as a result of the deposition of antimony onto the sponge lead electrode, a process known as 'Antimony Poisoning'.

The rate of deposition (III) from aqueous sulphuric acid onto pure lead electrodes was measured using a tracer technique. The deposition rate was found to be independent of the hydrogen overpotential of the electrode and was ascribed to the electrochemical displacement reaction 2Sb0+ 3Pb + 4H+ + 3SO4 = 2Sb + 3Pb SO4 + 2H20.

The results obtained were assessed in conjunction with published data, and a comprehensive picture of the various antimony (III) and antimony (V) reaction paths occurring in the lead-acid battery has been presented. The placing of a suitable ion-exchange material between the separator and the negative plate, with the object of removing antimony (III), could be a feasible method of limiting the problem of 'Antimony Poisoning'.

Citation

Dawson, J. Fundamental studies of the behaviour of antimony in the lead-acid battery. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 19, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 19, 2018
• Additional Information: Access Information : This thesis was the first PhD awarded by the University of Salford.
• Award Date: Mar 1, 1967