Overview of Battery
Batteries are everywhere but often ignored, which form the backbone of our technology-driven world. From the smallest hearing aid to the largest electric vehicle, batteries empower countless gadgets and machines.This article from JMChip Electronics will show the characteristics of batteries, exploring their types and working principles.
Battery
Contents
What is a battery and How does it work?
An electric battery serves as a vital source of electric power, comprising one or more electrochemical cells that are equipped with external connections to provide energy to electrical devices. When a battery is in use and supplying power, it has two main terminals: the positive terminal, which is referred to as the cathode, and the negative terminal, known as the anode.The negative terminal of a battery is marked as such because it acts as the source of electrons. These electrons flow through an external electric circuit, traveling from the negative terminal to the positive terminal. This flow of electrons is what powers the connected electrical device.When a battery is connected to an external electric load, a chemical reaction known as a redox reaction occurs inside the battery. During this reaction, high-energy reactants are converted into lower-energy products. The difference in free energy between the reactants and the products is harnessed and delivered to the external circuit in the form of electrical energy. This process allows the battery to provide the necessary power to operate various electrical devices efficiently.
Working principle of a battery
Types and Applications of Battery
Batteries can be broadly classified into primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) categories. Primary batteries, like alkaline and lithium manganese dioxide, are designed for single-use and are commonly found in remote controls and flashlights. Secondary batteries, on the other hand, can be recharged and reused multiple times, with lithium-ion being the most prominent type due to its high energy density and long lifespan.
Primary batteries or non-rechargeable batteries
A primary battery, also known as a non-rechargeable battery, is a type of battery that is designed for single use and cannot be recharged. Once the chemical reaction within the battery has taken place and the energy has been exhausted, the battery cannot be reused and must be disposed of. Primary batteries are commonly used in a variety of devices that require a compact, reliable, and inexpensive power source. These include remote controls, clocks, calculators, small toys, and other low-power electronic devices. They are often chosen for these applications because they are cheap, easy to use, and do not require the user to have access to a charging source.
Primary batteries
Types:
Alkaline battery: These batteries typically derive energy from the reaction between zinc metal and manganese dioxide.
Dry battery: A dry battery uses an electrolyte in the form of a paste to be less susceptible to leakage, which is commonly used for portable electrical devices.
Mercury battery: Mercury batteries are used in the shape of button cells for watches, hearing aids, cameras and calculators, and in larger forms for other applications.
Lithium metal battery: Lithium metal batteries stand apart from other batteries because of their high charge density and high cost per unit.
Secondary batteries or rechargeable batteries
A secondary battery, also known as a rechargeable battery, is a type of battery that can be recharged and used multiple times. Unlike primary batteries, which are designed for single use and cannot be recharged, secondary batteries utilize the reversibility of electrochemical reactions to allow for repeated charging and discharging cycles. Secondary batteries are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, portable electronics, and energy storage systems. They offer several advantages over primary batteries, including higher energy density, longer operating times, and reduced waste generation.
Secondary battery
Types:
Aluminium-ion battery: In the battery, aluminium ions serve as charge carriers. The use of Al metal anode provides increased safety as it has better air stability. Aluminium also transfers energy more efficiently.
Calcium battery: Calcium batteries are regarded as a recognized alternative to Li-ion technology due to their similar performance, significantly greater abundance, and lower cost.
Metal–air electrochemical battery: The specific capacity and energy density of metal-air electrochemical battery is higher than that of lithium-ion batteries, making them a prime candidate for use in electric vehicles.
Environmental Impact
While batteries have revolutionized our lives, their disposal poses significant environmental challenges. Traditional lead-acid batteries contain heavy metals that will pollute soil and water if not properly recycled. Lithium-ion batteries, while more efficient, also present disposal issues due to their complex composition and potential for thermal runaway. In order to protect the environment, we should take efforts right now, such as advancing recycling technologies, promoting the use of more eco-friendly materials, and designing batteries for easier disassembly and recycling.
Wrapping Up
As a device that can convert chemical energy into electricity, the battery plays a vital role in modern social life. Now there are some manufactures such as STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments are committed to producing high-quality batteries.
With the advancement of science and technology and the global emphasis on sustainable development, battery technology is experiencing rapid development. In the future, the battery industry is expected to make more significant progress in technological innovation, recycling, sustainable development and policy support.
