ZirfonS: A new separator for Ni$z.sbnd;H2 batteries and alkaline fuel cells

The chemical stability of the Zirfon® separator is very high, even in concentrated KOH at elevated temperatures. Zirfon® is also a highly wettable material with very attractive mechanical properties. Initially Zirfon® was developed for alkaline water electrolysis and it has also been considered as a candidate separator for the Hermes Fuel Cell. More recently, the Zirfon® separator became a candidate material for a new type of NiH2 battery being developed under CNES contracts. A 30 Ah NiH2 cell has been built with Zirfon® as the separator. Cycling tests in accelerated geostationary mode have been performed.