In-situ carbon encapsulated Pb/PbO nanoparticles derived from spent lead paste for lead-carbon battery

The sulfation and serious hydrogen evolution reaction render a substantial obstacle for the further development of lead-carbon batteries (LCBs). Herein, lead tartrate precursors derived from spent lead paste are pyrolyzed to in-situ synthesize a carbon encapsulated Pb/PbO nanoparticles, which are introduced as additives into the negative electrodes of LCBs. The in-situ formed carbon encapsulation Pb/PbO nanoparticles ensure the long-lasting inhibition of the hydrogen evolution reaction in the negative electrodes. The discharge capacity after the introduction of the composites is improved by 24 % compared with the control at 0.1C, and the cycle life is almost twice as long as the control. The remarkable hydrophilicity of the composites as 3D electro-osmotic pumps facilitates the absorption and transportation of electrolyte to the negative active materials. Additionally, the carbon encapsulated Pb/PbO nanoparticles could provide abundant nucleation sites for Pb/PbSO4 conversion and reinforce the reversibility of the transformation between the substances. Benefiting the cooperative interaction between the multiple mechanisms in the composites, the sulfation and serious hydrogen evolution on the negative electrode are dramatically inhibited, consequently thus contributing to the admirable promotion of the overall performances of LCBs. [Display omitted] •The Pb–C composites derived from spent lead paste were prepared.•The Pb/PbO nanoparticles inhibits the hydrogen evolution of negative electrode.•The action mechanism of the composite in LCBs was systematically elucidated.