Corrosion resistance of Pb-Sb current leads of positive electrodes with a ti magnetron coating of lead-acid batteries

   Purpose of the research. Comprehensive characterization of lead-acid battery positive electrodes with a double-sided corrosion-resistant Titanium magnetron coating.

   Methods. Magnetron sputtering of a high-purity Ti target onto both sides of standard-sized positive electrode current leads of a 2-volt model cell of the lead-acid battery (two negative current leads and one positive electrode between them) was performed at a power of P = 300 W for t = 10 min. Magnetron films were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive analysis. The corrosion resistance and electrical characteristics of 2-volt model cells with positive electrode current leads coated with and without Ti were compared.

   Results. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of a titanium dioxide oxide film in the magnetron titanium coatings. This film did not alter the measured electrical characteristics and acted as additional chemical passivation. The capacities of fully charged 2-volt model cells, determined in tests under 20-hour discharge conditions with a 0.75 A current and a 50 A cold cranking current at temperatures of -18ºC and -30ºC, were comparable to those of commercially available batteries.

   Conclusion. Lead current leads of positive plates with a titanium magnetron coating demonstrated high corrosion resistance compared to commercially available lead-acid batteries after 26 days of heating at 60°C, including charging at a constant voltage of 2.33 V for 13 days without changing their initial electrical characteristics. Following testing of 2-volt model cells, visual comparison of positive electrode current leads with and without a Ti coating revealed no discontinuities in the grid segments and increased surface development, indicating increased corrosion resistance, which is crucial for the production of such batteries.

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