Chemical synthesis of PbO2 particles with multiple morphologies and phases and their electrochemical performance as the positive active material

In order to explore how to improve the electrochemical performance of the lead-acid battery positive active material, PbO2 particles with multiple morphologies and phases including urchin-like and ball-like β-PbO2 particles with size of 0.5-1 μm, flower-like α-PbO2 particles with size of 1-2 μm are chemically synthesized. These samples are composed of different smaller nanoparticles. The electrode made with urchin-like β-PbO2 and flower-like α-PbO2 in the ratio of 1:1 can deliver a discharge capacity of 183 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C after 100 cycles, and subsequent rate performance test shows that a discharge capacity of 97.2 mA h g−1 can be obtained even at 1 C. Moreover, this kind of electrode pretreated in 1 M H2SO4 solution displays improved stability of cycle, a capacity of 146.7 mA h g−1 can be obtained after 100 cycles, and its corresponding active material utilization ratio can reach 65%.