Development and Characterization of a Thick-Film Printed Zinc-Alkaline Battery

Application of thick-film printing technology to the fabrication of a zinc-alkaline battery was carried out in this study. Electrode inks were formulated using active materials in powdered form, poly(ethene oxide) as binder, graphite as conductor, and water as solvent. Zinc-containing anodes and manganese dioxide cathodes were thick-film printed onto silver current collectors and assembled into cells using separator paper and potassium hydroxide electrolyte. The cells were cathode limited and had a theoretical capacity between 3 and 4 mAh. The highest discharge efficiency achieved was 97% of the theoretical capacity of the cathode at a discharge rate of 1 mA/cm(2). Characterization of the electrochemical properties of the cell was carried out and assessed. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.