Battery

0. What is a Battery?

• Definition: A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy.

• Basic Components: Consists of electrodes (anode and cathode) and an electrolyte, allowing ions to flow and produce an electric current.

1. • Primary vs. Secondary Batteries:
     Primary batteries (e.g., alkaline cells) are single-use and cannot be recharged.
     Secondary batteries (e.g., Li-ion, NiMH) are rechargeable through reversible electrochemical reactions.

• Key Characteristics: Voltage, capacity (mAh or Ah), energy density (Wh/kg), power density (W/kg), cycle life, safety, and cost.

1. Significance and Role of Batteries

• Key to Energy Storage (ESS): Helps manage peak power demand and leverage distributed power sources

• Contribution to Eco-friendliness/Decarbonization: Enables storage of renewable energy (solar, wind)

• Essential for Mobile and Portable Devices: Powers smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, etc.

• Race for New Technologies and High-Performance Materials: High energy density, long cycle life, and safety are major focal points in R&D and industry

2. Battery Industry and Technology Trends

• Rapid EV (Electric Vehicle) Market Growth: Collaboration between automakers and battery manufacturers; ongoing improvements in performance and safety

• Material Innovation: Growing interest in solid electrolytes, silicon anodes, multivalent ion batteries, and other next-generation technologies

• Expansion of BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems): Larger demand for energy storage as renewable energy becomes more widespread

• Rise of Recycling and Second-Life Markets: Facilitates resource circulation and reduces environmental impact through battery recycling and reuse

• Global Collaboration and Stricter Regulations: Governments worldwide increase investment and regulation in safety and performance standards

3. Types of Battery (Major Battery Categories)

3-1. LiB (Lithium-Ion Battery)

• Most Widely Used Rechargeable Battery: Smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles

• Advantages: High energy density, long cycle life, available in diverse formats

• Challenges: Cost, raw material supply (cobalt, nickel), high-temperature safety

3-2. SiB (Sodium-Ion Battery)

• Abundant Raw Materials: Greater availability than lithium, potentially more cost-competitive

• Technical Progress: Lower energy density than LiB, but R&D and commercialization are accelerating

• Suitable Applications: ESS, low-cost power storage, and more

3-3. Water-Based Batteries (Aqueous Electrolytes)

• Batteries that use aqueous (water-based) electrolytes are often lauded for nonflammability, lower cost, and enhanced safety. However, they can face challenges such as lower voltage windows and reduced energy densities compared to some organic electrolyte systems. 

• Notable examples: Zn/MnO2 alkaline battery, aqueous Li-ion systems, Zn-Air battery, Nickel-Metal Hybrid (NiMH), Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn), Nickel-Iron (Ni-Fe), Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2), etc.

3-4. Other BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems)

• Solid-State Batteries: Solid electrolytes for enhanced safety and energy density

• Redox Flow Batteries: Suited for large-scale ESS (long lifespan, but bulky)

• Multivalent Ion Batteries (Mg, Ca, etc.): Potential for high energy density; requires further research on stable electrolytes and electrodes

• Future Battery Concepts: Lithium–sulfur, lithium–air, metal–air, etc., with active R&D underway