Improving the performance of enhanced flooded batteries with carbon nano tubes

Eydemir Y., ÖZDEMİR M. B.

JOURNAL OF POLYTECHNIC-POLITEKNIK DERGISI, cilt.29, sa.4, 2026 (ESCI)

Özet

Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFBs) are becoming increasingly important for start-stop and micro-hybrid electric vehicles due to their cost efficiency and ability to withstand frequent charge-discharge cycles. In this study, carbon nanotube (CNT) additives were incorporated into both the negative active material (NAM) and positive active material (PAM) to evaluate their effects on electrochemical performance. Four different battery recipes were designed, including a standard formulation and three CNT-based variations. The batteries were characterized according to EN 50342-1 and EN 50342-6 standards, with specific emphasis on cold cranking amperes (CCA), charge acceptance (CA), capacity (C20), and endurance under partial state-of-charge (PSoC) conditions. Experimental results demonstrated that Recipe 2, in which CNT was added to both NAM and PAM, delivered the most significant improvements, showing higher CCA retention over 60 days, superior dynamic charge acceptance, and extended cycle life compared to standard batteries. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the beneficial effect of CNT addition on the morphological stability of both plates, reducing sulfation and enhancing conductivity. These findings highlight the potential of CNT-enhanced EFBs to meet the demanding requirements of micro-hybrid vehicles, offering both technological innovation and industrial competitiveness.