For electric car applications, the nickel-iron storage battery can offer up to 75% higher energy density when compared to the lead-acid battery. However, because of the ease of hydrogen evolution at the iron anodes, this battery suffers from poor charging efficiency and a high self-discharge rate. Both factors degrade energy efficiency. The proposed research will examine a range of electrolyte additives to determine their effectiveness in inhibiting the energy-wasting hydrogen evolution reaction on iron electrodes.
