Recent progress in the development of rechargeable alkaline zinc-manganese dioxide cells is described. The advantages and limitations of the system are evaluated. Laboratory tests run on commercial primary alkaline cells as well as model simulations of a bipolar MnO~ electrode show that the rechargeable alkaline battery may be able to compete with lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and secondary lithium cells for low-to moderate-rate applications. However, because of its poor performance at high rates and low temperatures, the alkaline MnO~ battery is not suitable for present automotive starting applications.

The rate of formation of the lead-acid battery plate is limited by the conductivity of the positive paste. Efforts to increase the paste conductivity which have been published are reviewed. A proprietary process developed at Johnson Controls for treating the positive plate with ozone to convert the lead oxide to conductive lead dioxide is described. Plate ozonation has two effects: (i) it enhances formation by creating a conductive layer on the plate surface, and (ii) it oxidizes

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