Batteries are easy-to-use power sources that come in sizes ranging from the size of a fingernail to the size of a box, providing our devices with reliable, stable power anytime, anywhere. You might think batteries are simple devices, but once they are in a circuit, these little cylinders become personal power plants that generate electricity. Let’s take a look at what happens inside these batteries…
What is a battery?
A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Inside the battery, a series of chemical reactions occur that release electrons. These electrons flow through an external circuit, giving us electrical energy.
Batteries have two poles, positive (+) and negative (-). When these two poles are connected to a circuit, electrons flow from the negative pole to the positive pole, providing energy to our devices.
A simple example of the importance of a battery is a cell phone. The battery provides the energy needed to keep the phone on and working. If the battery is missing or dead, the phone will be useless and we cannot make calls, send messages, or use the internet.
Without a battery, we cannot even get help in an emergency or use maps and GPS. The battery allows the cell phone to be used wherever we are, without the need for a direct connection to electricity.
What are the main components of a battery?
A battery is made up of several main components that work together to produce and store electrical energy. The main components of a battery are as follows:
Anode: The anode, or negative electrode, is the part of the battery where oxidation occurs and electrons are released. The anode is made of metals such as zinc.
Cathode: The cathode, or positive electrode, is the part where reduction occurs and electrons move toward it. The cathode is made of materials such as lithium oxide or manganese oxide.
Electrolyte: The electrolyte is the material inside the battery that allows ions to move between the anode and cathode. Electrolytes can be liquid, gel, or solid, and are usually made of materials such as sulfuric acid or salt solutions.
Separator: The separator is a thin layer that is placed between the anode and cathode and prevents direct contact between the two electrodes, but at the same time allows ions to pass through. This part plays an important role in preventing short circuits in the battery.
Case or body: The battery case or body is the container that encloses all the components and protects them from impact or moisture.
Why do batteries need two different materials?
The presence of two different materials (anode and cathode) is necessary to create an electrical potential difference. This potential difference is the driving force that forces electrons to move in an electrical circuit and provides the necessary energy for devices.
Types of batteries
Batteries are divided into two main categories: primary batteries and secondary batteries.
Primary batteries, such as alkaline batteries used in watches and remote controls, are not rechargeable and cannot be recharged. These batteries must be discarded after they are completely discharged.
In contrast, secondary batteries, such as the lithium-ion batteries in cell phones and laptops, are rechargeable and can be charged and discharged hundreds of times. Secondary batteries are recharged by passing an electrical current in the opposite direction to the discharge, meaning that the chemical reactions inside them are reversed and the energy is stored in the battery again.
Primary batteries
Primary batteries, commonly known as disposable batteries, have advantages that distinguish them from rechargeable batteries in some cases:
They store more energy than secondary batteries of the same size and have a longer lifespan.
In devices that do not require continuous current or where battery replacement is difficult (such as some medical devices), they are a viable option.
Primary batteries come in many types, including carbon-zinc, alkaline, and lithium.
Because these batteries contain no electrolyte liquid, they are known as “dry cells” and are used in everything from remote controls and toys to essential medical devices.
Zinc-carbon batteries
Zinc-carbon batteries were invented in 1865 by French engineer Georges Leclanché. For this reason, these batteries are sometimes known as Leclanché cells.
Structure and components
Positive electrode: The positive electrode of these batteries is made of a carbon rod coated with carbon powder and manganese(IV) oxide.
Negative electrode: The negative electrode (outer body) is made of zinc alloy.
Electrolyte: The electrolyte used in these batteries is usually a paste containing ammonium chloride.
Zinc-carbon batteries operate based on the following chemical reactions:
At the negative electrode, zinc (Zn) is converted into zinc ions (Zn²⁺) and electrons (e⁻). This process causes current to flow in the circuit.
At the positive electrode, manganese(IV) oxide (MnO₂) is converted to manganese(III) oxide and ammonia.
Features
Price: These batteries are one of the cheapest batteries on the market due to their low production cost.
Lifespan: Zinc-carbon batteries do not store much energy and their lifespan is relatively short. For this reason, they are not recommended for certain applications that require continuous, long-term power.
Capacity: These batteries have a lower storage capacity than alkaline batteries and other types of batteries.
Zinc-carbon batteries are widely used in devices such as:
Flashlights
Toys
Wall and desk clocks
Audio and video equipment (in low-power applications)
Advantages
Low price and availability
Simplicity in design and construction
Disadvantages
Low capacity and short life
Not suitable for high-power devices
Alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries are among the most popular primary batteries, storing more energy and having a longer life than zinc-carbon batteries. These features make alkaline batteries an ideal choice for devices such as digital cameras and remote controls.
These batteries have a similar appearance to zinc-carbon batteries, but they use different chemistries.
In these batteries, the positive electrode is made of manganese(IV) oxide and the negative electrode is made of zinc.
A concentrated alkaline electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) acts as the ion transport agent.
During the chemical reaction, manganese(IV) oxide is converted to manganese(III) oxide, releasing hydroxyl ions.
On the other hand, zinc reacts with these ions and releases electrons that flow in the circuit and provide the necessary energy for the devices.
To buy alkaline and zinc batteries, you can visit EDC, which provides you with a reliable experience by providing quality products. EDC batteries have a longer lifespan than other brands due to the use of high-quality raw materials and help protect the environment without harmful substances such as mercury and cadmium.
The expiration date of these batteries is until 2028 (11 Dni 1407), allowing you to store them for a long time with peace of mind. The cardboard packaging of these batteries makes distribution and storage easier. ADC Power products are barcoded, which facilitates their distribution in hypermarkets and stores.
Button Cell Batteries
Button batteries are one of the earliest types of batteries that have become very popular due to their small size and high efficiency in various devices such as quartz watches, hearing aids, and small electronics.
These batteries generally have similar electrodes to alkaline batteries and use alkaline electrolytes, so their performance is generally similar.
In the design of a button battery, the upper central part acts as the negative electrode, which is made of zinc or lithium.
In contrast, the lower outer chamber acts as the positive electrode, and is made of chemicals such as manganese oxide, silver oxide, or copper oxide.
In the past, the positive electrode of button batteries was made of mercuric oxide and graphite, but due to the toxicity of mercury, these types of batteries have been gradually abandoned.
Thus, button batteries are an ideal choice for various applications in the modern world due to their small size and light weight.
Secondary or rechargeable batteries
Secondary batteries, commonly known as “rechargeable” batteries, have gradually become more popular since the advent of new technologies and the increasing need for portable power sources, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.
Prior to this period, rechargeable batteries were not commonly used in devices such as flashlights and toys, as they had a shorter lifespan than disposable batteries.
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which were most commonly used at the time, were not considered desirable due to problems such as memory effect and loss of capacity over time. However, lead-acid batteries remained the most common type of rechargeable battery at the time, especially in automobiles.
These batteries were capable of providing the energy needed to run car engines and other electrical systems. Today, with advances in technology and the production of high-performance, long-lasting batteries, the use of rechargeable batteries in electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, and other portable devices has become commonplace.
Lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries have been known as one of the most sustainable energy sources since their invention in the mid-19th century.
These batteries are made up of six separate 2-volt cells, with a total voltage of 12 volts.
Each cell contains a negative electrode made of “sponge” lead, a positive electrode made of lead dioxide, and an electrolyte made of sulfuric acid.
When discharged, the sulfuric acid turns into water and the two electrodes become coated with lead sulfate, which creates a flow of electrons and provides electricity to an external circuit.
One of the main advantages of lead-acid batteries is that they allow a car’s engine to be started without the need to manually crank the crank.
These batteries are automatically charged by the car’s alternator; that is, once the engine is started, the alternator generates electrical energy and recharges the battery.
However, these batteries also have disadvantages:
Their very heavy weight and relatively large volume make them difficult to transport.
The price of these batteries is high and their capacity for full charging and discharging is limited.
The use of lead, which is a toxic metal, can cause serious environmental problems when the batteries are disposed of in landfills.
As a result, lead-acid batteries, despite their many advantages, require special attention in terms of environmental and waste management.
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that consists of two electrodes of nickel and cadmium and an alkaline electrolyte. These batteries have become very popular due to their special characteristics, especially in industrial and electrical applications.
Voltage and capacity: Each cell of a nickel-cadmium battery has a voltage of 1.2 volts. By combining several cells, batteries with higher voltages can be produced. These batteries have different capacities, depending on their size and construction.
Charging cycles: NiCd batteries can be charged and discharged many times (usually about 500 to 1000 times). However, one particular feature of these batteries is that they can suffer from the “memory effect”. This means that if the battery is repeatedly charged before being fully discharged, its overall capacity may decrease.
Performance at different temperatures: These batteries perform well in both low and high temperatures and can perform well in harsh conditions.
Disadvantages
Cadmium toxicity: One of the biggest disadvantages of these batteries is the presence of cadmium, which is a toxic metal that is harmful to the environment. Therefore, proper disposal of these batteries is of great importance.
High pressure: NiCd batteries may become stressed when charged quickly or at very high temperatures and require proper ventilation.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are a popular type of rechargeable battery that is widely used in electronic devices and hybrid vehicles. They were developed as a more efficient alternative to nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries.
Components of a NiMH battery:
Positive electrode: Made of nickel oxide (NiOOH).
Negative electrode: Made of metal hydride alloys that can absorb hydrogen.
Electrolyte: Typically an alkaline solution containing potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Voltage and capacity: The voltage of each NiMH battery cell is about 1.2 volts. The capacity of these batteries varies from 600 to 3000 milliampere-hours (mAh), depending on their design and application.
Function: During charging, electrons are transferred from the positive electrode to the negative electrode, where they are stored as hydrogen. During discharge, these electrons are released and produce an electric current.
Advantages
High capacity: NiMH batteries have a higher capacity than NiCd batteries, meaning they can store more energy.
No memory effect: These batteries can be recharged at any time without losing their capacity due to the lack of memory effect.
Environmentally friendly: These batteries use non-toxic alloys instead of toxic cadmium, making them less harmful to the environment.
Disadvantages
Cost: NiMH batteries are more expensive than NiCd batteries.
Temperature sensitivity: These batteries may not perform as well at very high or low temperatures.
Self-discharge: These batteries have a higher spontaneous discharge rate than some other batteries, which can lead to energy loss.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are used in a variety of devices and systems, including:
Digital cameras and power tools: Popular in digital cameras and photography equipment due to their high capacity.
Cordless tools: Widely used in cordless power tools such as drills and screwdrivers.
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are one of the most widely used and advanced types of rechargeable batteries used in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems. They are known for their high energy storage capacity, light weight, and long lifespan.
Components of a Li-ion battery:
Positive electrode: Made of lithium compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄).
Negative electrode: This electrode is made of graphite, which has the ability to absorb lithium.
Electrolyte: An organic solvent solution that dissolves lithium and helps transport lithium ions.
Voltage and capacity: The voltage of each lithium-ion battery cell is about 3.6 to 3.7 volts, and their capacity varies from 1,000 milliampere-hours (mAh) to several thousand milliampere-hours.
Function: During charging, lithium ions move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode and are stored there. During discharging, these ions move towards the positive electrode, generating an electric current.
Advantages
High energy density: Lithium-ion batteries store more energy than other batteries (such as nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride) in the same volume and weight.
Long life: These batteries have a long life and can withstand hundreds to thousands of charge and discharge cycles.
No memory effect: Lithium-ion batteries do not need to be fully discharged before recharging and can be recharged at any time.
Which battery is the best to use?
Choosing the best battery to use depends on your specific needs and the type of device you want to use it with:
Alkaline batteries: These batteries are great for devices that require high power and long life, such as digital cameras, toys, and flashlights. They usually have more power than carbon-zinc batteries.
Zinc-carbon batteries: These batteries are used for low-power devices, such as remote controls and watches. They are economical but have a shorter life than alkaline batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries are very popular in devices such as cell phones, laptops, and professional cameras due to their high capacity and light weight. These batteries are rechargeable and have a longer life.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries: These batteries are a good choice for devices such as rechargeable toys. They are more environmentally friendly than nickel-cadmium batteries.
Lead-acid batteries: These batteries are mostly used in cars and energy storage systems. They require high power and are suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Battery maintenance methods and increasing their useful life
Storage at the right temperature: Batteries should be stored at moderate, dry temperatures. Extremely high or low temperatures can negatively affect battery performance. In general, temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius are best.
Avoid moisture: Moisture can damage batteries, causing them to rust and shorten their lifespan. Therefore, store batteries in dry places away from moisture.
Proper charging: Rechargeable (secondary) batteries should be charged regularly and properly. Avoid overcharging or completely discharging the battery, as this can shorten the battery’s lifespan. It is best to charge the battery when it is about 20 to 30 percent discharged.
Regular use: Batteries that are used regularly usually last longer. Use non-rechargeable batteries in a device every so often to prevent them from degrading.
Proper spacing: Keep batteries separate and avoid placing them next to metal objects or other batteries. This will prevent contact and short circuits.
Check the expiration date: Always pay attention to the expiration date of batteries. Expired batteries may have poor performance and may even be dangerous.
Use high-quality batteries: Use reliable and high-quality batteries. Low-quality batteries may have a short life and may not perform properly.
Store in original packaging: Store batteries in their original packaging to protect them from contact with moisture and dirt.
Frequently asked questions
What type of battery is best for home use?
Alkaline batteries are usually the best choice for home use because they have a long life and work well in most devices, such as remote controls and toys. For rechargeable devices like cameras and cell phones, lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries are good choices.
Are batteries recyclable?
Yes, many batteries are recyclable, but they must be recycled properly. Lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and lithium-ion batteries are commonly accepted at recycling centers. It’s best to avoid throwing batteries in the trash because they can release toxic substances.
When should you replace your batteries?
When to replace your batteries depends on how you use them and the type of battery. If you notice a decrease in performance, fluid leaking from the battery, or a sudden increase in temperature, it’s time to replace your batteries. Pay attention to the expiration date on your batteries and replace them if they’re expired.
