Study of the effect of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) polymer on the performance of lead-acid battery negative plates by electrochemical and physical investigation techniques

The effect of poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) polymers (PVP) on the performance of lead-acid battery negative plates was tested. Two PVP polymers with low (MW = 36 000) and high molecular weight (MW=360 000) have been selected.The influence of the polymers on the electrochemical reactions taking place on the lead negative plate was examined on a smooth Pb electrode by linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance measurements. The effect of PVP polymers on the processes of paste preparation, curing and formation of the lead negative plate was determined by combining different analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction, DSC, SEM and chemical analysis. The selected polymer additives improve the chemical and physical characteristics of the negative active material. The initial low discharge capacity test shows that the addition of PVP polymer with a high molecular weight to the paste increases the utilization of the active material.