Nickel-Iron Battery: Difference between revisions
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=Basic Concepts Behind Construction= | =Basic Concepts Behind Construction= | ||
The electrochemistry of a Nickel iron battery is similar to a NiCd or NiMH battery in that nickel oxyhydroxide is used as an anode, but iron is used instead of the toxic metal complexes in NiCd and NiMH batteries. During discharge, both metals turn into their hydroxide forms: Ni(OH)2 and Fe(OH)2. (see the wikipedia article under electrochemistry). Given the resilience and rechargeability of the NiFe battery, it should be possible to build it in a discharged state, combining the appropriate hydroxides of Nickel and Iron. Alternatively, the battery could be constructed out of metallic nickel and iron, and the nickel should mostly convert to an NiOOH form after the first discharge-charge cycle. | The electrochemistry of a Nickel iron battery is similar to a NiCd or NiMH battery in that nickel oxyhydroxide is used as an anode, but iron is used instead of the toxic metal complexes in NiCd and NiMH batteries. During discharge, both metals turn into their hydroxide forms: Ni(OH)2 and Fe(OH)2. (see the wikipedia article under electrochemistry). Given the resilience and rechargeability of the NiFe battery, it should be possible to build it in a discharged state, combining the appropriate hydroxides of Nickel and Iron. Alternatively, the battery could be constructed out of metallic nickel and iron, and the nickel should mostly convert to an NiOOH form after the first discharge-charge cycle. | ||
="prototype" in development= | |||
I (Colin) am currently testing the feasibility of using concrete as an electrolyte in a NiFe battery. Tests while still wet indicate the right voltage for NiFe chemistry, but minimal if not negligible current. After 24 hours of curing, a decent coating of hydroxides (rust) is appearing on the iron electrode. This is characteristic of the action we want during discharge, and indicates rapid self-discharge of the battery. I will conduct further tests once the cement has fully hardened (within the next two days) and report the results here. | |||
Revision as of 05:13, 3 May 2011
This page is currently under construction and might undergo drastic changes within a short span of time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_iron_battery
Basic Concepts Behind Construction
The electrochemistry of a Nickel iron battery is similar to a NiCd or NiMH battery in that nickel oxyhydroxide is used as an anode, but iron is used instead of the toxic metal complexes in NiCd and NiMH batteries. During discharge, both metals turn into their hydroxide forms: Ni(OH)2 and Fe(OH)2. (see the wikipedia article under electrochemistry). Given the resilience and rechargeability of the NiFe battery, it should be possible to build it in a discharged state, combining the appropriate hydroxides of Nickel and Iron. Alternatively, the battery could be constructed out of metallic nickel and iron, and the nickel should mostly convert to an NiOOH form after the first discharge-charge cycle.
"prototype" in development
I (Colin) am currently testing the feasibility of using concrete as an electrolyte in a NiFe battery. Tests while still wet indicate the right voltage for NiFe chemistry, but minimal if not negligible current. After 24 hours of curing, a decent coating of hydroxides (rust) is appearing on the iron electrode. This is characteristic of the action we want during discharge, and indicates rapid self-discharge of the battery. I will conduct further tests once the cement has fully hardened (within the next two days) and report the results here.