Effects of High Level of Lead (II) Oxide (PbO) Usage on Accumulator and Response Surface Method

Abstract

This study involved the preparation of lead oxide paste for use in the production of lead-acid batteries. The paste was applied to the positive plates, and its performance effects were tested on the battery. Morphological and surface area analyses were conducted using SEM and BET, respectively, after the performance tests. Two mixtures of lead oxide ratios, 25%Pb-75%PbO (sample A) and 30% Pb-70% PbO (sample B), were used. The dough was applied to positive grids and passed through the curing process. SEM images revealed that tribasic sulfate (3BS) structures had a higher charge acceptance rate than tetrabasic sulfate (4BS) structures. BET analyses showed that the surface area of the samples with A ratio was higher than that of B. Electrical tests were conducted in the laboratory, and the A sample was found to be 12% more effective in the first charging efficiency than the B sample. Sample A was also found to be 67% more efficient in charge acceptance tests and 6.5% more efficient in cycle tests. The study also showed that increasing the %Pb ratio in the product decreases the initial charge efficiency, charge acceptance, and cycle life. Finally, the response surface method was used to examine the 2D picture of the relationship between lead percentage and yield, and it was found that the highest yield was obtained at 26% lead yield, with the yield being inversely proportional to the increase in lead percentage, likely due to the effect of particle size and surface area.