An electrode for a biplate assembly includes an active material made from a compressed powder 11, and a non-metal carrier 10. A biplate assembly 20 includes electrodes 27, 28 each having a non-metal carrier 10. A method is disclosed for manufacturing an electrode 13 having a non-metal carrier 10. An apparatus 30 is disclosed for manufacturing such an electrode 13. A bipolar battery includes at least one such an electrode 13. The non-metal carrier 10 is preferably a non-conductive carrier.

A hydrogen-absorbing alloy is provided in which an X-ray diffraction image generated by CuK rays has at least one peak selected from (1) peak Psp1 at 2=32.250.15, (2) peak Psp2 at 2=33.550.15, and (3) peak Psp3 at 2=37.270.15.

A hydrogen-absorbing alloy is provided in which an X-ray diffraction image generated by CuK rays has at least one peak selected from (1) peak Psp1 at 2=32.250.15, (2) peak Psp2 at 2=33.550.15, and (3) peak Psp3 at 2=37.270.15.

The present application provides a silicon-based negative electrode material and a preparation method and use thereof. The silicon-based negative electrode material has a lithium borate coating layer on its surface, which may improve first charge-discharge efficiency of the material. There is a strong chemical bond interaction between the lithium borate coating layer and the borate ester having a specific structure, which may improve the rate capability of the battery. Furthermore, the borate ester has a structure of (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nCOCR.sub.0CH.sub.2, and the negative plate prepared with the silicon-based negative electrode material will undergo a cross-linking reaction during a high-temperature baking of the plate, so that a cross-linking is formed among particles of the silicon-based negative electrode material, thereby effectively ensuring the structural integrity of the silicon-based negative electrode plate during recycling, and improving the cycle performance of the battery.

A rechargeable alkaline battery includes an anode comprising zinc, a cathode, and separator disposed between the anode and the cathode. The separator comprises a water-insoluble metal hydroxide. For example, the water-insoluble metal hydroxide can be magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, or any combination thereof. The separator comprising the water-insoluble metal hydroxide can serve to capture a portion of any zincate ions produced at the anode prior to the zincate ions passing through the separator to the cathode.

A rechargeable alkaline battery includes an anode comprising zinc, a cathode, and separator disposed between the anode and the cathode. The separator comprises a water-insoluble metal hydroxide. For example, the water-insoluble metal hydroxide can be magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, or any combination thereof. The separator comprising the water-insoluble metal hydroxide can serve to capture a portion of any zincate ions produced at the anode prior to the zincate ions passing through the separator to the cathode.