Study on a new single flow acid Cu–PbO2 battery

The present paper reports a new single flow acid battery, Cu–H₂SO₄–PbO₂ battery, in which smooth graphite is employed as negative electrode, lead dioxide as positive electrode and the intermixture of H₂SO₄–CuSO₄ as electrolyte. The reaction CuCu²⁺ takes place on the negative electrode. The working process of the battery is only the circulation of H₂SO₄–CuSO₄ intermixture by means of a single pump. No cationic membrane is needed. A miniature acidic copper single flow battery with a rated capacity of 2000 mAh can offer a discharge voltage of 1.29 V, an average coulombic efficiency of 97% and an energy efficiency of 83% during 450 cycles at a charge/discharge current of 1000 mA.