Secondary batteries, also known as rechargeable batteries, are battery types that can be recharged and reused multiple times. They have a few key advantages over primary batteries like alkaline batteries which cannot be recharged after use. Some of the major advantages of using secondary batteries include reduced operating costs, reduced waste generation and environmental friendliness.

Types of Secondary Batteries

Lead-acid Battery:
Lead-acid batteries are one of the oldest secondary battery types in existence. They are used widely in automotive starter motors, emergency lighting and backup power applications. These batteries have a moderate energy density and cost comparatively less than other battery chemistries. However, they have lower cycle life and require regular maintenance.

Lithium-ion Battery:
Lithium-ion batteries have replaced lead-acid batteries in many portable electronics due to their higher energy density. They provide up to 3 times more power than nickel-cadmium or nickel metal hydride batteries of the same weight. Devices like laptops, smartphones and power tools use lithium-ion batteries. Tesla electric vehicles also use lithium-ion batteries at a massive scale.

Nickel-cadmium Battery:
Nickel-cadmium or NiCd batteries were popular rechargeable batteries before lithium-ion. They have moderate energy density and can deliver high current over a long period. However, NiCd batteries exhibit a memory effect where repeated partial discharges reduce available capacity over time. Environmental concerns over toxic cadmium content have limited their usage.

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery:
Nickel metal hydride or NiMH batteries were developed to replace NiCd batteries by eliminating the toxic cadmium. They have higher capacity than NiCd and no memory effect. However, Secondary Battery have lower energy density than lithium-ion and higher self-discharge rate limiting their use in portable electronics now.

How do Secondary Batteries Work?

All rechargeable batteries work on the principle of oxidation-reduction reactions that are reversible. During charging, electric current passes through the battery in the opposite direction of discharge, reversing the chemical reactions inside. The key components and chemical reactions differ based on the battery chemistry:

- In lead-acid batteries, lead and lead dioxide electrodes undergo oxidation and reduction reactions with sulfuric acid electrolyte during charge and discharge.

- Lithium-ion batteries have a lithium-cobalt oxide cathode and graphite anode. Lithium ions shuttle between them through a carbonate-based electrolyte during operation.

- NiCad batteries involve reversible transfer of cadmium and nickel hydroxide between positive and negative electrodes using potassium hydroxide electrolyte.

- NiMH batteries use chemicals like nickel oxyhydroxide and metallic hydride instead of cadmium for reversible redox reactions.

Factors Affecting Performance

Some factors that determine the performance attributes of secondary batteries include:

- Energy density: Depends on battery chemistry and affects capacity and runtime. Lithium-ion has the highest energy density.

- Cycle life: Maximum number of charge-discharge cycles before battery capacity degrades significantly. Varies from 100s of cycles in lead-acid to 1000s in lithium-ion.

- Self-discharge rate: Rate at which battery loses charge when not in use. Higher self-discharge means shorter shelf life.

- Charging time: Time required to fully charge the battery. Fast charging lithium-ion batteries charge in hours while lead-acid needs 8-12 hours.

- Memory effect (applies to only some chemistries): Residual effect of partial discharges that reduces usable capacity over time. NiCd is most prone to memory effect.

Applications of Secondary Batteries

Based on their properties, different types of rechargeable batteries are used in various applications:

- Laptops, smartphones, power tools - Lithium-ion due to high energy density and no memory effect.

- Electric vehicles - Lithium-ion batteries in large packs provide power for EVs like Tesla, Nissan Leaf etc.

- Solar home systems - Lead-acid batteries are economical and provide backup power from solar panels during evenings.

- UPS systems - Lead-acid or NiCad batteries offer long-term float operation for backup power applications.

- Medical equipment - NiCad or lithium-ion provide required power backup for medical devices like defibrillators.

- Remote controls, toys - Small button cells using lithium-ion or alkaline chemistry provide years of operation.

Safety Considerations for Secondary Batteries

Like any power source, rechargeable batteries require safety precautions depending on chemistry:

- Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if overheated, overloaded or damaged. Thermal management during charge-discharge is critical.

- Lead-acid batteries emit explosive hydrogen gas during charging so charging area needs ventilation.

- Damaged NiCd batteries release toxic cadmium fumes so must be disposed carefully as hazardous waste.

- All rechargeable batteries should only be charged with recommended chargers. Overcharging can cause overheating and explosion.

Secondary batteries are an indispensable part of our daily lives powering a wide variety of portable electronics and equipment. Advances in lithium-ion technology are driving forces behind growth of EVs and renewable energy storage. Safe usage and disposal practices are necessary to harness their power in a sustainable way.

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About Author:

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.

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