abstract |
The present disclosure is directed to an electrode active layer or sheet containing from about 60 to about 85 wt. % active carbon in intimate admixture with 15 to 40 wt. % fibrillated PTFE. This electrode has improved strength and is capable of operation at high current density with resistance to mechanical failure due to blistering of the electrode, and to a process for producing same. The process is characterized by combining a dilute dispersion of smaller polytetrafluoroethylene particles with a suspension of catalyzed or uncatalyzed larger active carbon particles to discontinuously coat active carbon with PTFE; fibrillating same; comminuting said fibrillated PTFE/active carbon mix; and then rolling same into a self-sustaining, coherent sheet form. Alternatively, the sheet form can be provided by deposition of the heat treated polytetrafluoroethylenated active carbon on a filter paper or like medium. |