Rayovac Corporation

Rovcal, Inc.

Miguel E Armacanqui

Janna L Rose

Ronald J Ekern

Ernest Ndzebet

William C Bushong

Viet H Vu

Gregory Scott Moy

Jeffrey A Poirier

David R Mihara

A sulfonic acid type organic surfactant is incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant. Zinc fines may also be incorporated into the anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture may have a reduced hydroxide concentration. When a cell is provided whose anode mixture includes the two surfactants and zinc fines alone or in combination with a lowered hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte, discharge leakage is reduced and gel gassing is suppressed relative to that of gels lacking both surfactants. Additionally, cell discharge performance is improved relative to that of cells lacking both the zinc fines and lowered hydroxide concentration.

Alkaline cell with performance enhancing additives

An ionically permeable separator for a LeClanche cell, and methods of making and using same, are provided for in the invention. The separator comprises a Kraft paper separator and a corrosion-inhibiting coating thereupon selected to prevent corrosion of a zinc anode of the LeClanche cell. The separator may be configured for use in round or flat LeClanche cells. The separators of the invention may be used in heavy duty batteries containing an electrolyte comprising zinc chloride as a primary component. Cells made in accordance with the invention exhibit comparable or improved capacity and other performance characteristics in respect of conventional cells.

Method of making an ionically permeable separator for a leclanche cell

Method of making a reduced environmental hazard leclanche cell having

Ionically permeable separator for leclanche cell

Reduced environmental hazard LeClanche cell having improved performance

Growing community of inventors

Madison, WI, United States of America

Miguel E Armacanqui