Electric batteries and electrochemical cells have emerged as pivotal technologies, propelling advancements in various sectors including transport and energy. By promising a more sustainable future, these innovations are gaining significant attention, reshaping our world by amplifying the reach of motorization and wireless technology.
Understanding Electric Batteries
An electric battery is an apparatus that conserves chemical energy and modifies it into electrical power. It consists of one or more electrochemical cells connected to external inputs or outputs, enabling the operation of numerous gadgets and systems.
Significant Applications of Electric Batteries
Electric batteries play a crucial role in various domains such as:
– Portable Electronics: Empowering devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearables.
– Transportation: Fuelling electric vehicles (EVs), reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
– Renewable Energy Storage: Conserving energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines for future use.
– Electricity for Remote Areas: Supplying power in isolated or off-grid locales where standard power sources are difficult to access or unreliable.
Different Types of Batteries
The major types of batteries include solid-state batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd), alkaline batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries use solid electrodes rather than a liquid or polymer gel electrolyte and are useful in various devices like pacemakers and wearable devices. Nickel–Cadmium batteries find usage in electronic appliances, while alkaline batteries benefit applications needing affordable and reliable power. Lithium-ion batteries are diverse, fueling small, portable devices to large electric vehicles, earning its inventors the esteemed Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019 for its ground-breaking principles.
Electrochemical Cells: An Insight
Electrochemical cells are capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy, and vice versa. They generate an electric current due to redox reactions in which electrons are simultaneously released (oxidation) and utilized (reduction). Typically, a standard cell comprises two sections with metal electrodes submerged in specific electrolytes.
Working of Electrochemical Cells
The metal electrodes, known as the anode and cathode, conduct electricity. The anode is where oxidation occurs, while the cathode is where reduction happens. Electrons flow from the negatively charged anode to the positively charged cathode through an external circuit, supplying power for various uses. A wire and a salt bridge connect these halves, enabling the movement of ions between them.
Issues Faced by Electrochemical Cells
While electrochemical cells have improved with advancements in cell design and materials, they face certain challenges such as corrosion. For instance, when water droplets gather on electrodes in high humidity environments, or when atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are elevated, it can lead to carbonic acid formation and subsequent corrosion.
Evolving Trajectory of Batteries: A Historical Overview
The history of batteries reveals significant milestones like Galvani’s experimentation in 1780, Volta’s voltaic pile in 1800, Faraday’s insights in the early 19th century, and the introduction of lithium-ion batteries.
Galvani’s Experimentation (1780)
Luigi Galvani’s experiment involving metals and frog legs established an intriguing link between electrical power and muscle movement, laying the foundation for future battery innovation.
Voltaic Pile (1800)
Alessandro Volta’s voltaic pile was a significant development, generating a consistent current using metal plates and electrolytes.
Faraday’s Insights (Early 19th Century)
Michael Faraday’s groundbreaking work unraveled the mechanisms behind electrochemical cells, revealing the roles of components.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries can function as both voltaic and electrolytic cells. They have the capacity to transform chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa, which facilitates recharging. In lithium-ion cells, lithium metal oxide and graphite act as cathode and anode, respectively, while a semi-solid polymer gel electrolyte separates them.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2019 recognized John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino for their contributions to the development of the lithium-ion battery.
