The behavior of individual positive and negative electrodes of the sintered‐plate nickel‐cadmium battery system in the presence of foreign ions in KOH solutions has been examined. Carbonate choke: The variation of electrochemical capacity as a function of carbonate contamination of the electrolyte, temperature, and current density was measured for both positive and negative electrodes. The effect of carbonate on the negative cadmium electrode is much greater than on the positive. The general mechanism and the role of intermediate complexes are discussed. Nitrate shuttle: Self‐discharge occurs in cells containing nitrate, as a result of reduction of NO3− to NO2− at the cadmium electrode with subsequent reoxidation to NO3− at the nickel hydroxide electrode. Cations on the positive: Addition of Li+, Ag+ Sb+3, Al+3, and As+3 to the electrolyte had effects on capacity and on charge‐retention of well‐formed nickel hydroxide positive electrodes. Lithium promoted the highest average oxidation, particularly at high temperatures (55°C). Arsenic was the best inhibitor of loss of charge. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

"Ag?03" was examined electroche~nically in eutectic KOI-1-1320 a t -40 OC by coulombic measurements of quantities formed, open circuit potential decays, variation of potential as a function of anodic current density, and temperature coefficients of decompqsition rates. 1 :can be formed directly from AgaO 011 Ag a t current density (c. The evidence does point to the probable existence of a thin layer, which may be true Ag?Oa, on the surface in a steady state which is maintained a t high anodic current density ( > 100 pA/cma a t -40'). I S T R O D U C T I O SAbout 100 papers have been published in which the existence of higher oxides of silver (i.e. AS+^) are discussed, implied, or claimed. The papers fall into two groups. In one there is a definite claiin or implication that the coillpound studied was Ag203; in the other there is concern over the proximity of the oxygen electrode, the presence of peroxides on the surface, and the influence which foreign ions such as nitrate and sulfate have on the crystal structure and stability of a illaterial which behaves lilie a higher oxide of silver. f-Io\vever, the question of whether a pure phase of trivalent silver oxide exists still remains. This question is not only of intrinsic interest but is also a practical one, as it concerns charge acceptance in the zinc -silver oxide battery, and the use of silver oxide catalyzed oxygen electrodes in fuel cells. Sections of three excellent revieu-s discuss A g 2 0~ (I, 2 , 3).The present investigation uTas undertalien a t low temperature , where the rate of deca?-of "Ag203" is slo\\r enough to permit study over an hour or two. UTe use the symbol "Ag203" to indicate the uncertainty about the chemical composition and structure of the material under study. We use the symbol 'Ag203' ~vllen the experimental indications are such that the material may be in fact the stoicl~iometric coinpound Ag203. E S P E R I M E S T A L METHODSThe test cell consisted of a test electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode (I-Ig/HgO) with a luggin capillary, im~nmersed in eutectic I

A pmtotype l i t h i u m sul-dioxide battery,