The relationship between coefficient of restitution and state of charge of zinc alkaline primary LR6 batteries

Abstract

The coefficient of restitution of alkaline batteries has been shown to increase as a function of depth of discharge. In this work{,} using non-destructive mechanical testing{,} the change in coefficient of restitution is compared to in situ energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction data to determine the cause of the macroscopic change in coefficient of restitution. The increase in coefficient of restitution correlates to the formation of a percolation pathway of ZnO within the anode of the cell{,} and the coefficient of restitution levels off at a value of 0.66 ± 0.02 at 50% state of charge when the anode has densified into porous ZnO solid. Of note is the sensitivity of coefficient of restitution to the amount of ZnO formation that rivals the sensitivity of in situ energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction.