Chemists have long sought an electrolyte additive that would improve battery performance, especially at low temperatures. Ten organic additives were investigated to learn more about their effects on the rechargeability of an experimental lead-acid cell at 5 degree Fahrenheit. In each set of trials a different additive (0.001% by weight) was mixed with the sulfuric acid in the cell. The cell was then charged and discharged at eight current intensities The additives included adipic acid, azelaic acid, p-phenolsulfonic acid, hydroquinoe, 1-naphthol a5-sulfonic acid, phthalic aid, sucrose, tartaric acid, alphanaphthol, and 8-hydroxyquinoline.
Adipic acid resulted in the best high-rate charge acceptance; however, the level reached was only 96% of that achieved without any additives. Alpha-napthol, the worst, reached a level of only 20%. In addition to the obvious conclusion that these additives do not improve rechargeability, the following trend appears valid: the higher the recharge voltage, the lower the charge acceptance.
This sample was taken to Technical Writing Revised Edition by Corazon C. Obnamia, et. al.