Phosphoric acid added to battery electrolyte modifies the morphology of PbO2 corrosion films by reacting to produce Pbs(PO4)2 as an intermediate in the oxidation of Pb to PbO2. Because these modified PbO2 films resist reduction to PbSO4, battery failure from formation of a resistive PbSO4 film at the positive grid/active material interface is forestalled. Three new findings support this mechanism: (i) the identification of Pba(PO4)2 in lead corrosion films, (ii) the predictions of a thermodynamic model of the Pb/H2SO4/ H3PO4/H~O system, and (ii{) the measurement of sulfation rates of PbO2 films formed from Pba (PO4)2 and PbHPO4. * Electrochemical Society Active Member. ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 129.11.21.2 Downloaded on 2014-11-01 to IP Vol. I26, No. 11 LEAD-ACID BATTERY 1849 ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 129.11.21.2 Downloaded on 2014-11-01 to IP * Electrochemical Society Active Member.