ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the basic principles of operation of primary (nonrechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries. Materials for primary alkaline manganese dioxide and rechargeable lead-acid batteries are initially discussed. The phenomenon of intercalation of lithium and sodium cations into graphite and some other electrode materials is explained later in this chapter. Aqueous and nonaqueous rechargeable batteries are compared from the point of view of the device’s performance and durability as well as safety issues. This chapter also deals with the perspectives concerning oxide-based and Prussian blue analog cathodes and anodes for aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes. It furthermore gives specific energy comparisons for some secondary and primary batteries. Several types of metal-air batteries, including zinc-air and some mechanically rechargeable metal-air batteries, are briefly considered. Visions regarding the so-called all-solid-state batteries are provided.
