Battery Technology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic is required for the cathode to be an efficient oxidizing agent?

Good conductivity

Low redox potential

High redox potential (correct)

High viscosity

Which of the following describes the relationship between cell potential and electrode potentials?

Ecell is the difference between the cathode and anode potentials. (correct)

Ecell is the sum of Ecathode and Eanode.

Ecell increases as Eanode increases.

Ecell is determined solely by the anode potential.

What is a desired characteristic of the anode in a battery?

Good conductivity

Low specific capacity

Low redox potential (correct)

High redox potential

Which property should a liquid electrolyte ideally possess?

High ionic conductivity Signup and view all the answers

The flexibility and multifunctional applications are key advantages of which type of electrolyte?

Solid polymer electrolyte Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for secondary batteries?

Economic and benign environmental properties Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher difference between cathode and anode potentials result in?

Greater cell potential Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the characteristics of an electrolyte?

Electrolytes should be nonreactive with electrodes. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily differentiates battery reactions from other oxidation/reduction reactions?

The physical separation of oxidation and reduction reactions Signup and view all the answers

In battery operation, what does the electrochemical potential difference correspond to?

The voltage of the battery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a desired characteristic of the cathode material?

Low conductivity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of battery is characterized as being a storage or rechargeable cell?

Lead-acid batteries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following properties is essential for primary batteries?

Compact and lightweight Signup and view all the answers

What role do electrodes play in the battery operation?

They facilitate the chemical reactions that produce or consume electrons Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant requirement for the design of secondary batteries?

High energy density Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic operational principle of a battery?

Oxidation and reduction reactions are physically separated Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered crucial for the commercial feasibility of new battery technologies?

Reversibility Signup and view all the answers

What type of battery is suggested as an economical alternative to lithium-ion batteries?

Sodium-Ion Batteries Signup and view all the answers

In which application are sodium-ion batteries particularly emphasized?

Stationary energy storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary material used for the anode in lead-acid batteries?

Spongy lead (Pb) Signup and view all the answers

What acts as the electrolyte in a lead-acid battery?

Sulfuric acid solution Signup and view all the answers

What happens to lead atoms at the anode during the discharging process?

They lose electrons and form lead ions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell structure eliminates the need for separate anode and cathode compartments in lead-acid batteries?

Common electrolyte cell Signup and view all the answers

During the discharge of lead-acid batteries, which reaction occurs at the cathode?

PbO2(s) + 4H+(aq) + 2e− → Pb2+(aq) + 2H2O(l) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of NiMH batteries in terms of environmental impact?

Absence of toxic cadmium Signup and view all the answers

How does the self-discharge rate of NiMH batteries affect their usability?

It necessitates regular recharging if left idle. Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of NiMH batteries related to their performance under load?

They exhibit voltage sag under heavy loads. Signup and view all the answers

Why are NiMH batteries considered cost-effective?

They allow for hundreds to thousands of charge cycles before significant capacity loss. Signup and view all the answers

What safety feature makes NiMH batteries more suitable for various applications?

They exhibit a lower risk of thermal runaway or fire hazards. Signup and view all the answers

Which temperature conditions adversely affect NiMH battery performance?

High temperatures degrade the battery. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does NiMH have compared to newer battery technologies?

They have slower charging rates. Signup and view all the answers

What performance issue can arise from the memory effect in NiMH batteries?

Reduced voltage under heavy discharge. Signup and view all the answers

What is produced at the cathode during the discharge of a lead storage battery?

Lead ions and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the concentration of sulfuric acid during the discharge of the lead storage battery?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which reaction occurs at the anode during the charging process of the lead storage battery?

PbSO4(s) + 2e- → Pb(s) + SO42-(aq) Signup and view all the answers

What is the nominal voltage of each cell in a lead storage battery when charged?

2.1 to 2.2 V Signup and view all the answers

How is recharging of a lead storage battery achieved?

By attaching an external power source greater than 2 volts Signup and view all the answers

What happens to lead sulfate during the charging process?

It is turned back into lead and lead dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the specific gravity of the sulfuric acid solution in a battery?

It denotes the operational condition and charge level Signup and view all the answers

What role does the generator play in recharging the battery of an automobile?

It provides the energy necessary for recharging Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Battery Types and Requirements

Types of rechargeable cells: Also known as storage cells or accumulators, including lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium cells, and lithium-ion batteries.
Primary Battery Requirements: Should be compact, lightweight, economical, have benign environmental properties, high energy density, longer shelf life, and provide constant voltage with a long discharge period.
Secondary Battery Requirements: Must have a long shelf-life in both charged and discharged states, longer cycle life, high power-to-weight ratio, short recharging time, and high voltage and energy density.

Basic Principles of Battery Operation

Electron Exchange: Battery operation relies on the exchange of electrons between oxidation and reduction reactions that are physically separated, allowing for electrical current flow.
Voltage Generation: The electrochemical potential difference between cathode and anode defines the cell voltage, driving current through an external load.
Key Components: Involves electrodes (where redox reactions occur) and electrolytes enabling ionic exchange, shaping battery properties through material choice.

Electrode Characteristics

Cathode: Requires high redox potential, high specific capacity, reversibility, and stability in contact with electrolyte.
Anode: Needs low redox potential, high specific capacity, reversibility, and good conductivity.
Cell Potential Calculation: Calculated using the formula (E_{\text{cell}} = E_{\text{cathode}} - E_{\text{anode}}); greater potential difference yields higher voltage.

Electrolytes in Batteries

Types of Electrolytes: Can be liquid, solid, polymer, or hybrid; should possess high ionic conductivity and non-reactivity with electrode materials.
Liquid Electrolytes: Typically have low viscosity and high energy density; operational temperature range is -40°C to 60°C.
Polymeric Electrolytes: Feature high flexibility and multifunctionality but require improvements in efficiency, reversibility, and cycle life for commercial use.

Sodium-Ion Batteries

Cost-effective Alternative: Investigated as a substitute for lithium-ion batteries due to sodium's abundance, suitable for stationary energy storage applications, though with lower energy density.

Lead-Acid Battery Overview

Construction: Comprises lead grids for electrodes; anode contains spongy lead while cathode uses lead dioxide submerged in sulfuric acid.
Discharge Reactions: Lead at the anode loses electrons and combines with sulfate ions, while lead dioxide at the cathode gains electrons, resulting in lead sulfate production.
Recharging Process: Reverses discharge reactions using external power to convert lead sulfate back into lead and lead dioxide while regenerating sulfuric acid.

Key Features of Lead-Acid Batteries

Voltage Output: Nominal voltage per cell is 2.1 V; effective for energy storage in chemical form.
Longevity and Cycle Life: Capable of hundreds to thousands of charge cycles, making them economical for consumer electronics.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

Environmental Benefits: Comprise fewer harmful materials compared to other types, reducing disposal/recycling impact.
Safety Profile: Offer enhanced safety with lower risk of thermal runaway or fire hazards.
Cost Efficiency: Reusable over many cycles, providing a long-term power solution.

Disadvantages of NiMH Batteries

Self-Discharge Rate: High rate (1-5% per day) affects idle charge retention, requiring regular recharging.
Memory Effect: Can develop memory issues if not fully discharged before recharging, alongside potential voltage sag under heavy loads.
Temperature Sensitivity: Their performance is adversely affected by extreme temperatures, impacting efficiency and lifespan.
Charging Limitations: Slower charging rates compared to modern technologies lead to extended charging times.
Voltage Output: Lower voltage outputs compared to some newer chemistries may limit compatibility with high-demand devices.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential information about rechargeable and primary batteries, including types such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and lithium-ion. Explore the requirements and properties that distinguish these battery technologies, including energy density and environmental considerations.