A CONDUCTIVE ADDITIVE TO ENHANCE FORMATION OF A LEAD-ACID-BATTERY

Barium metaplumbate, a conductive ceramic having the perovskite structure, is relatively stable in sulfuric acid. Addition of this material in positive plates in a lead/acid battery significantly improves formation efficiency. The formation mechanism is changed when the conductive particles are dispersed in the plate. Formation not only proceeds from the grid toward the center of the pellet but also slowly around the conductive particles in the plate. The conductive paths of PbO2 grow and make connection with each other during formation to establish a network which further facilitates the formation.