Batteries

Objectives:

 To know all information about batteries.

 Learn about lead acid batteries and lithium cells.
 To know their recycling process, their side effects, precautions during recycling.

Types of Batteries:

1. Primary cells/Batteries
2. Secondary cells/Batteries

Primary Cells:

Primary cells, also known as non-rechargeable or disposable cells, are batteries that cannot be
recharged once depleted. They generate electrical energy through a chemical reaction that is
irreversible. Once the chemicals are depleted, the battery becomes unusable and must be
replaced. Common examples include alkaline batteries and zinc-carbon batteries.

Types of Primary Cells:

Some common types of primary cells

i. Alkaline batteries
ii. Zinc-carbon batteries
iii. Lithium batteries
iv. Silver oxide batteries
v. Mercury batteries (less common due to environmental concerns)
vi. Zinc-air batteries.

Secondary Cells:

Secondary cells, also known as rechargeable batteries, are batteries that can be recharged
multiple times by passing an electric current through them in the opposite direction of
discharge. They store electrical energy through reversible chemical reactions, allowing them to
be reused. Examples include lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and lead-acid
batteries.

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Types of Secondary Cells:

Some common types of primary cells

i. Lithium-ion batteries
ii. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
iii. Lead-acid batteries
iv. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries (though less common due to environmental
concerns and toxicity)

Lead-acid Batteries:
Lead-acid batteries are a type of secondary cell commonly used in automotive applications,
uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and other industrial uses. They consist of lead electrodes
immersed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte. Lead-acid batteries are rechargeable and are known for
their relatively low cost, robustness, and ability to deliver high currents. However, they are
heavy and contain toxic materials, which can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of
properly.

Construction:

Lead-acid batteries typically consist of a plastic container housing a series of lead plates
immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid (the electrolyte).

Each lead plate is coated with lead dioxide (PbO2) on the positive plate and sponge lead (Pb) on
the negative plate.

The plates are arranged alternately as positive and negative plates, with separators between
them to prevent short circuits.

Working:

The lead-acid battery operates on the principle of converting chemical energy into electrical
energy during discharge and converting electrical energy back into chemical energy during
charging.

The process is reversible, allowing the battery to be charged and discharged multiple times,
making it suitable for use as a rechargeable energy storage device.

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Lead Acid battery construction

Recycling Process of Lead Acid Batteries:

The recycling process of lead-acid batteries is crucial due to the environmental and health hazards posed
by the lead and sulfuric acid they contain. Here's an overview of the recycling process:

Collection: Used lead-acid batteries are collected from various sources, including automotive repair
shops, recycling centers, and collection points established by battery manufacturers or government
agencies.

Draining: The batteries are transported to a recycling facility where they are first drained of the
remaining electrolyte solution. The sulfuric acid is usually neutralized or converted into sodium sulfate,
which can be used in various industrial processes.

Breaking: The drained batteries are then crushed or broken into small pieces using mechanical crushers
or hammer mills. This process breaks the battery cases and separates the lead-containing components
(plates, terminals, etc.) from the plastic casing.

Separation: The broken pieces are submerged in water to separate the lead-containing components
from the plastic parts. The lead plates sink to the bottom due to their higher density, while the plastic
floats.

Smelting: The lead plates and other lead-containing components are then melted in a furnace to
separate the lead from other impurities such as plastics, sulfur, and other metals. The impurities form a
slag layer on top of the molten lead, which is skimmed off.

Refining: The molten lead undergoes refining processes to remove any remaining impurities, resulting in
high-purity lead suitable for reuse in new batteries or other applications.

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Reuse: The refined lead is used to manufacture new lead-acid batteries or other lead-containing
products. The recycled plastic components may also be used in various products, such as battery cases,
automotive parts, or other plastic products.

Side Effects on Environment of lead Acid Batteries:

Lead-acid batteries pose several environmental side effects, primarily due to the lead and sulfuric acid
they contain:

Lead Pollution: Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that can contaminate soil, water, and air. Improper
disposal or recycling of lead-acid batteries can lead to lead leaching into the environment, particularly in
landfills where batteries may degrade over time.

Soil Contamination: When lead-acid batteries are improperly disposed of or recycled, lead can leach
into the soil, posing risks to plants, animals, and humans. Lead accumulation in soil can persist for many
years, impacting ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain.

Water Pollution: Lead contamination from lead-acid batteries can also leach into groundwater or
surface water sources, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Lead exposure through
drinking water contaminated with lead can cause serious health issues, particularly in children.

Air Pollution: Lead-acid battery recycling facilities may emit lead dust and other pollutants into the air
during the crushing, smelting, and refining processes. Inhalation of lead dust can lead to respiratory
issues and other health problems.

Acidic Waste: The sulfuric acid electrolyte used in lead-acid batteries is highly corrosive and can cause
damage to the environment if not properly managed. Improper disposal of sulfuric acid can lead to soil
and water contamination, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

By recycling lead-acid batteries, not only is valuable lead recovered and reused, but it also helps prevent
environmental pollution and reduces the demand for raw materials, making it an environmentally
sustainable practice. Additionally, many countries have regulations in place to ensure the proper
handling and recycling of lead-acid batteries to minimize environmental and health risks.

Safety Precautions:

i. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety goggles.
ii. Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize exposure to sulfuric acid fumes.
iii. Handle batteries with care to prevent damage or leaks.
iv. Ensure batteries are properly disconnected before maintenance or installation work.
v. Have spill kits and neutralizing agents on hand for acid spills.
vi. Avoid using tools that may create sparks near batteries.
vii. Store batteries in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
viii. Dispose of old batteries properly at authorized recycling centers.
ix. Train personnel in emergency response procedures for battery-related accidents