Chemistry of Batteries
Hopewell Valley Student Podcasting Network
Chemistry Connections
The Chemistry of Batteries
Episode #8
Welcome to Chemistry Connections, our names are Brando and Kai and I am your host for episode #8 called the chemistry of batteries? Today we will be discussing what are batteries, the different types of batteries, and the chemistry behind them.
Segment 1: Introduction to Batteries
- History of Batteries
- Benjamin Franklin and his charged glass plates
- Voltaic Pile
- To cell battery technology
Segment 2: The Chemistry Behind BATTERIES
- Explain the two cell battery system
- General description of what a battery is (cells, cathode where electrons are produced, anode where electrons are gained, redox reaction that takes place, one half reaction in one cell, a different half reaction in another cell)
- Commercial types:
- Alkaline batteries
- Are commonly used in household items like remote controls and flashlights, rely on the chemical reaction between zinc (Zn) and manganese dioxide (MnO₂).
- Anode reaction: ZnZn2++2e-
- Cathode reaction: 2MnO+2H2O+2e-2MnO(OH)+2OH-
- Overall reaction: Zn+2MnO+2H2O+2e-Zn2++2e-
- Lithium-Ion batteries
- Are prevalent in portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density. The fundamental reactions involve lithium ions (Li⁺) moving between the anode and cathode through an electrolyte.
- Anode reaction: LiC66C+Li++e-
- Cathode reaction: CoO2+Li++e-LiCoO2
- Overall reaction: LiC6+Li+CoO26C+LiCoO2
- Lead-Acid batteries
- Are commonly used in automotive applications due to their ability to deliver high surge currents. The reactions involve lead (Pb), lead dioxide (PbO₂), and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
- Anode reaction: Pb+SO4-2PbSO4+2H2O
- Cathode reaction: PbO2+4H++SO4-2+2e-PbSO4+2H2O
- Overall reaction: Pb+PbO2+2H2SO42PbSO4+2H2O
- Experimental/advanced types:
- Solid-State Batteries
- Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
- Graphene and Silicon Anode Batteries
Segment 3: Personal Connections
- We like robotics
- In FRC robotics, we use Lead acid batteries, which are big and bulky because they hold a lot of charge, but they are quite heavy
- In Robocup, a tournament we are participating in this year, we used lithium polymer batteries, which is LiPo for short. You see this all around in RC cars, and recreational vehicles
Thank you for listening to this episode of Chemistry Connections. For more student-ran podcasts and digital content, make sure that you visit www.hvspn.com.
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Warm Nights by @LakeyInspired
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