Abstract: Influence of La(OH)_(3 )or Ce(OH)_3in secondary zinc electrode was investigated by the cyclic voltammetry, potentiodynamic polarizationand potentiostatic polarization tests and influence of La_2O_3or CeO_2in the charge/discharge performance of Zn/Ni battery was studied by galvanostatic charge/discharge experiment. The results showed that the film of rare earth hydroxide prevented the zincate species from transferring toward solution, enhanced hydrogen overpotential and decreased thecorrosion current density (i_(corr)), and therefore inhibited zinc corrosion. The potentiostatic polarization results at100mV overpotential showed thatLa(OH)_3or Ce(OH)_3coated on the zinc electrode effectively suppressed the zinc dendrite growth. The La_2O_(3 )or CeO_2addition to the calcium zincate electrode improved the cycle performance of Zn/Ni battery.

Key words: Secondary zinc electrode, La(OH)_3or Ce(OH)_3, La_2O_3or CeO_2