New Alkaline Electrochemical Cells Using Stabilized CuO-CuS Cathodes

New alkaline electrochemical cells have been made using Zn//CuO-CuS chemistry that exhibits greater service life than traditional Zn//MnO2 chemistry. Zn//CuO-CuS electrochemistry offers performance advantages over Zn//CuO electrochemistry via higher open and closed circuit voltages. The improvement is a result of the higher reduction potential for the CuO-CuS versus that of CuO alone. The rate capability is also higher for CuO-CuS electrochemistry making it more practical for consumer electronics where a wide range of applications is required: . CuO + CuS + 2e + H2O Cu2S + 2OH -0.185V vs. HgO 2CuO + 2e + H2O Cu2O + 2OH -0.278V vs. HgO