Types of Batteries
These are disposable batteries composed of zinc and manganese dioxide. Known for their long shelf-life and high energy density, alkaline batteries are commonly used in household items like remote controls and flashlights.
Lead-Acid Batteries:
The oldest type of rechargeable battery consists of lead plates submerged in a sulfuric acid electrolyte. Because they can provide high surge currents, they are used in vehicles for starting, lighting, and ignition purposes and in backup power systems.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries:
Made with nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as electrodes, NiCd batteries are known for their robust performance in extreme temperatures and ability to deliver a consistent discharge rate. They are used in power tools, photography equipment, and emergency systems.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries:
Similar to NiCd but with a hydrogen-absorbing alloy instead of cadmium, offering higher capacity and less environmental impact. NiMH batteries are commonly used in digital cameras, electric vehicles, and hybrid cars.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries:
These batteries use lithium ions moving between the anode and cathode in a lithium compound. They are popular due to their high energy density, light weight, and recharging capability, making them ideal for portable electronics such as smartphones and laptops.
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Batteries:
A variant of lithium-ion batteries that use a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid one, allowing for thinner, lighter, and more flexible designs. LiPo batteries are predominantly used in mobile devices and radio-controlled aircraft.
Silver Oxide Batteries:
With silver oxide as the cathode and zinc as the anode, these small but powerful batteries are commonly found in watches, hearing aids, and other compact devices where size and power output are crucial.
Zinc-Carbon Batteries:
Made from a zinc anode and a carbon rod cathode, these are among the cheapest batteries available and are mainly used in low-drain devices like wall clocks and remote controls.
Mercury Batteries:
Previously used in a range of applications including medical devices and watches, mercury batteries have been largely phased out due to environmental concerns. They used mercury oxide as a cathode and zinc as an anode.
Flow Batteries:
These use two chemical components dissolved in liquids separated by a membrane and are mainly used for grid energy storage. The most common type is the vanadium redox battery.
Sodium-Sulfur (NaS) Batteries:
High-temperature batteries made from molten sodium and sulfur, used for grid storage and load leveling in renewable energy installations and backup power systems.
Zinc-air Batteries:
These batteries have zinc as the anode and use oxygen from the air as the cathode through a porous membrane. They are used in hearing aids and some types of remote sensors.
Solid-State Batteries
Solid-state batteries utilize a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel forms used in conventional batteries, enhancing safety by reducing the risk of leaks and fires. This technology promises higher energy densities, potentially enabling longer-lasting batteries for devices and electric vehicles.