Improvement of High Power Silver-Zinc Rechargeable Batteries for Underwater Vehicles

This SBIR program is aimed at improving the power density of rechargeable cells in general, and particularly those used in underwater vehicles. We intend to achieve that objective by advancing the state-of_the-art of bipolar electrodes, where both positive and negatives are built on a common current collector of the "pile" batteries made with them, which are capable of over four til the power output per unit volume, compared to conventional (monopolar) batteries. The major obstacles to the development of such batteries have been (1) the problem of intercell electrolyte leakage, which creates parasitic currents, and 9 leads to failure and (2) overheating. However, we are confident to overcome those obstacles by using recently developed heat resistant plastics and adhesives, and individual cell valves capable of containing the electrolyte, at the same time allowing excessive gas pressure to vent. Although the work and performance projections included in this proposal are based on convey negative electrodes and separators, any improvements on those components from the ongoing Phase II SBIR program under Contract No. N6O291-93-C-OO62 will be incorporated.