Preliminary Research and Documentation

The following research and documentation is meant to get this project started. Please consider this a work in progress. Significant work is needed to move this project forward.

Components

The following components and chemicals are required to convert a lead-acid battery to a alkaline battery:

• Used lead-acid battery
• Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate - NaHCO₃
• Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulfate - MgSO₄·7H₂O
• Alum (Potassium Aluminum Sulfate - KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O
• Distilled water
• Funnel
• Multimeter
• Filter paper
• Battery charging station
• Lighting circuit (optional)
• Gloves and protective eyewear (required)

Method

The process of converting a lead-acid battery to a lead-alkaline battery involves the following steps:

1. Neutralize the existing acidic electrolyte in the lead-acid battery. 
   1. Place the battery on a flat surface and carefully unscrew the cell covers.
   2. Add 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into each cell. This neutralizes the acid (sulphuric acid) solution in the battery. Let the battery rest for 30 minutes so that the sodium bicarbonate completely neutralizes the acid
2. Empty the battery electrolyte of the lead-acid battery into a bucket. This needs to be disposed off safely. 
3. Wash the empty battery with distilled water and let it dry.
4. To 4 liters of distilled water, mix 500 grams of potassium aluminum sulphate and 150 grams of magnesium sulphate. Ensure that the salts are completely dissolved. 
5. Filter this solution through the filter paper to ensure that there are no solid particles in the homogeneous solution.
6.  Carefully pour the alkaline electrolyte into the battery cells using a funnel till each cell is full.
7. Screw the cell covers back and clean up any spillage of the electrolyte on the surface of the battery.

Testing the Converted Battery

Licensing

This project is being developed as an open-source project with the following licensing: