Lead Acid Batteries

Silica is used in the main components of the lead-acid battery and increases the safety and the lifetime of the battery.

Evonik solutions for lead acid batteries

  • Create porosity and increase mechanical resistance of PE separators
  • Thixotropy and viscosity control in electrolytes
  • Improved electrochemical performance

Silica from Evonik makes a significant contribution to the safety and service life of lead-acid batteries (LAB) and is used as ingredient in PE separators for starter batteries in cars and as gelling additive in the electrolyte of stationary lead-acid batteries.

SIPERNAT® precipitated silica in battery separators

Precipitated silica from Evonik is the main component of polymer-based microporous PE separators for lead-acid batteries in cars. SIPERNAT® serves as a carrier for the oil component in the formulation and increases the porosity of the separator. In addition, the silica filler enhances the separators’ mechanical strength and dimensional stability, resulting in safer batteries.

AEROSIL® fumed silica for thixotropy in gel batteries

The main benefit of AEROSIL® fumed silica in gel lead acid batteries is its thixotropy effect. Added to liquid sulfuric acid, it acts as a gelling agent to immobilize the electrolyte by formation of a strong gel, leading to a uniform acid concentration within the whole battery and finally resulting in a significant prolonged battery lifetime. AEROSIL® also improves the electrochemical performance of gel batteries, especially during a deep discharge.

AEROSIL®

SIPERNAT®