Long-chain surfactants for improving battery performance
Alkaline electrochemical cells are provided, wherein a long-chain surfactant is included in at least one component of the cell in order to delay anode shutdown. Methods for preparing such cells are also provided.
1. An alkaline electrochemical cell, comprising:
a) a container; and
b) an electrode assembly disposed within the container and comprising a cathode, an anode, a separator located between the cathode and the anode, an alkaline electrolyte solution, and a long-chain surfactant, wherein the long-chain surfactant has the structure
R 1 —(R 2 Y) n —R 3 ,
wherein R 1 is phenylalkyl,
R 2 is ethylene,
Y is O,
R 3 is a phosphate ester or hydroxyl group, and
16≤n≤40;
wherein the alkaline electrochemical cell does not comprise more than one surfactant; and
wherein the long-chain surfactant is in the anode.
2. The alkaline electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein R 3 is a hydroxyl group.
3. The alkaline electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein 30≤n≤40.
4. The alkaline electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein R 3 is a phosphate ester group.
5. The alkaline electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein the long-chain surfactant has the structure
6. The alkaline electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein the electrochemical cell is a primary cell.
7. The alkaline electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein the electrochemical cell is a secondary cell.
8. The alkaline electrochemical cell of claim 1 , wherein said alkaline electrolyte solution is aqueous.