Ni-MH batteries use Ni oxide as the positive electrode, hydrogen storage metal as the negative electrode, and lye (mainly KOH) as the electrolyte.
- When the nickel-hydrogen battery is charged:
Positive electrode reaction: Ni(OH)2 + OH- → NiOOH + H2O–e-
Negative reaction: M+H2O +e-→ MH+ OH-
- When the Ni-MH battery is discharged:
Positive electrode reaction: NiOOH + H2O+e- → Ni(OH)2 + OH-
Negative electrode reaction: MH+OH- →M+H2O+e-