Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of [Ni4Al(OH)10]OH by Mechanically Blending Nanometric Zinc Oxide

Nanometric zinc oxide was prepared by the methods of precipitation and subsequent hydrothermal treatment, and used as an additive of a layered double hydroxide, [Ni4Al (OH)10]OH, to prepare the positive electrode of Nickel/metal hydride battery through mechanical blending. ZnO particles show sphere-like aggregates, and the particle size is around 100 nm in diameter. The influence on the electrochemical performance was investigated in positive electrode with different mass fraction of ZnO. The results indicate that the addition of ZnO can improve charge/discharge performances and electrochemical cyclic reversibility; also, elevate the oxygen evolution potential, decrease the double layer capacitance and the charge transfer resistance.