Novel charge/discharge method for lead acid battery by high-pressure crystallization

The electrical charging and discharging of a battery involves the crystallization of electrolytes or metal oxides on both electrodes. Crystallization technology that can control nucleation, growth, and distribution of solute crystals might be effective for improving battery properties. We performed charge/discharge cycling of a lead acid battery under high pressure. The charging efficiency at high pressure was compared with that at atmospheric pressure. Charging efficiency at high pressure was found to be higher than that at atmospheric pressure under a high charging current. Observation of the positive electrode by scanning electron microscopy revealed that high pressure caused the crystals on the electrode to become extremely fine.

► This paper proposes a new technology of high pressure crystallization for battery.
► Extremely high speed charge is achieved at high pressure for lead acid battery.
► Nano size crystals on the electrodes form at high pressure obviously.