Similarly, for batteries to work, electricity must be converted into a chemical potential form before it can be readily stored. Batteries consist of two electrical terminals called the cathode and the anode, separated by a chemical material called an electrolyte. To accept and release energy, a battery is coupled to an external circuit.
Scientists study processes in rechargeable batteries because they do not completely reverse as the battery is charged and discharged. Over time, the lack of a complete reversal can change the chemistry and structure of battery materials, which can reduce battery performance and safety.
This book is a concise guide to the key areas in the field of batteries, an important area for applications in renewable energy storage, transportation, and consumer devices; provides a rapid understanding of batteries and the scientific and engineering concepts and principles behind the technology.
To understand the basic principle of battery properly, first, we should have some basic concept of electrolytes and electrons affinity. Actually, when two dissimilar metals are immersed in an electrolyte, there will be a potential difference produced between these metals.
Batteries assist in converting electric energy into chemical energy thus performing green transfer/storage of electric energy into chemical energy and conversion of chemical energy into electrical when needed .
For rechargeable (secondary) batteries the process can be reversed and external electricity can be used to produce complementary redox reactions at the electrodes. This process is energy-dependent and non-spontaneous. Figure 1. Working principle of basic battery in the discharge mode (Galvanic element).