Frontiers in Chemistry - Batteries Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates primary batteries from secondary batteries?

Primary batteries generate a higher voltage.

Secondary batteries contain a liquid electrolyte.

Secondary batteries can be recharged while primary batteries cannot. (correct)

Primary batteries use lithium as a key component.

Which battery is recognized as the first true battery according to historical accounts?

The Daniell Cell

The Baghdad Battery

The Lithium Ion Battery

The Voltaic Pile (correct)

In the Daniell Cell, which reaction occurs at the cathode?

Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) → Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)

Cu2+(aq) + 2e– → Cu(s) (correct)

Zn(s) → Zn2+(aq) + 2e–

2H+(aq) + 2e– → H2(g)

What is a significant advantage of lithium as a material in modern batteries?

It provides higher energy density and recharging capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the changes made in the Daniell Cell compared to the Voltaic Pile?

The formation of solid copper as a byproduct. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a significant challenge facing today's Li-ion batteries?

They rely on less sustainable materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which invention occurred first in battery history according to the timeline provided?

The Voltaic Pile Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a 'beyond-Li-ion' technology mentioned?

Sulfur-based batteries Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Baghdad battery as understood from historical context?

To generate electrical energy from chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes the net reaction at the anode of the Daniell Cell?

Zinc is oxidized to zinc ions and electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using lithiated graphite over pure lithium in battery electrodes?

Lithiated graphite electrodes are more stable and safer. Signup and view all the answers

What does the formula ∆rG = –zFEcell represent in the context of lithium-ion batteries?

The Gibbs free energy change associated with a reaction. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arose with the early lithium-TiS2 battery developed by Stanley Whittingham?

The lithium ions did not form a stable layer upon reduction. Signup and view all the answers

Which material can lithium ions occupy in the lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) structure?

Octahedral sites Signup and view all the answers

What electrical voltage is generated by the reaction between lithiated graphite and LiCoO2 during discharge?

3.6 V Signup and view all the answers

What unintended reaction occurs between the liquid electrolyte and the electrodes in a lithium-ion battery?

Reaction forming protective solid-electrolyte interphases (SEIs). Signup and view all the answers

During charge cycles, what happens to the lithium ions in LiCoO2?

Half of the lithium ions can be removed without causing mechanical instability. Signup and view all the answers

What breakthrough did Akira Yoshino achieve in lithium battery technology?

Developing a safer negative electrode using lithiated graphite. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical limitation of lithium-ion battery technology as highlighted in the discussion?

The complexity of the battery chemistry and potential failure modes. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of lithium-ion batteries, what does the term 'dendrites' refer to?

Uncontrolled lithium metal growth that can cause short circuits. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture Overview: Frontiers in Chemistry - Batteries

This lecture focuses on the history and functioning of batteries.
The lecture discusses electrochemical principles, the development of lithium-ion batteries, and potential future battery technologies.
The presentation includes various types of batteries and their related chemical reactions.
The lecture details the evolution of battery technology, from early inventions to modern lithium-ion batteries.

Learning Outcomes

Students will understand the fundamental operating principles of batteries.
Students will grasp why lithium is predominantly used in modern batteries.
Students will learn about the innovations that led to lithium-ion battery technology.
Students will identify challenges related to current lithium-ion batteries.
Students will be introduced to emerging "beyond-lithium-ion" battery technology.
Students will gain knowledge about energy storage methods.

History of Batteries

Earliest battery: Voltaic pile (1799) using zinc and copper electrodes in salt water.
Baghdad battery (1936): an ancient artifact potentially used as a battery.
Further Developments: Several advancements are described, including improvements in types of cells, like the Daniell cell (1836). and the progression to different cell types based on materials.
Transition to more modern batteries including Nickel cadmium, and alkaline.
Lithium-ion batteries are later innovations.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium is used widely because it is highly electropositive, and its reactions are energetically favorable.
High energy output per weight.
Tesla Model S Battery Example: This vehicle demonstrates the significant energy storage capabilities of modern lithium-ion batteries in practice.

Stanley Whittingham's Work

Initial research on lithium-ion batteries involved using TiS2.
Challenge: Lithium metal dendrites, which caused short circuits.

Akira Yoshino's Advancements

Developed graphite electrodes.
This modification produced much more stable batteries.

LiCoO2 Positive Electrodes

Li+ ions move within a layered structure in LiCoO2.
Significant voltage increase over other earlier technologies.

Modern Lithium-Ion Battery Operation

Charging and Discharging Reactions are given
Half the lithium ions can be removed, weakening the structural integrity of the battery.

Solid-Electrolyte Interphases (SEIs)

Protective layer on electrodes, created by the chemical reaction between electrolyte and electrodes.
Protect electrodes from degradation, ensuring prolonged service life.
Maintains conductivity for the Li ions.

Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2019)

John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino jointly received the Nobel Prize for their pioneering work on lithium-ion battery technology.

Battery Challenges/Issues

Various issues with different types of battery components.
Corrosion
Short Circuits
Structural Degradation
Other considerations impacting battery performance are detailed to further show the complexity of modern batteries.

Beyond Lithium-ion Technology

Exploring alternative electrode materials (e.g., sulfur, oxygen).
Exploring alternative electrode chemistries using different metals (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.).
Replacing lithium with potentially safer materials with similar reactivity and electrochemical capabilities.
New research required to ensure the viable use of an alternate technology.

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Description

This lecture dives into the history and functionality of batteries, covering key electrochemical principles and the evolution of lithium-ion technology. Students will explore the types of batteries, their reactions, and challenges in current technologies, while also looking ahead to future innovations in energy storage.