There are several ways to prevent, remove, or reduce the formation of a passivation layer.

• Store cells in a controlled environment, preferably around 20°C (68°F), when not in use.
• Store cells with a small resistive load attached in parallel or under a small constant current load to keep the passivation at a minimum. A word of caution is needed because long storage periods may result in the loss of an unacceptable amount of total cell capacity.
• Depassivate the cells prior to use with a resistive load. The use of a resistive load for depassivation ensures that the passivation layer is removed at a rate that will not reduce the cell’s performance (see section on Cathode Freeze-Over). Heavily passivated cells may take an extended period of time to reach an acceptable running voltage with this method.

Combine controlled environmental storage at open circuit and depassivation with a resistive load. This method provides a relatively short depassivation cycle with an insignificant loss of cell capacity. This is the recommended method.

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